Christmas Basket application available

The El Dorado Springs Christmas Basket project is a program that provides food baskets for families and gifts for children age 16 and under who live in the El Dorado Springs school district and are in need of holiday assistance. The committee would like to express our appreciation to Kent and Doris Fortney for their many hours of dedicated service. The Fortney’s have “retired” from the committee and should not be contacted this year with questions or for information. The new chairman is Amy Castor. The committee is excited about working with her on this year’s project.

Applications for Christmas Baskets will be available at the Division of Social Services in Stockton on RB Rd. and at the Health Department in El Dorado Springs in the Southside Medical Mall and from school counselors by Oct. 24. Applications must be completed and returned to the El Dorado Springs Department or mailed to DSS, PO Box 200, Stockton, MO 65785, to arrive no later than noon on Nov. 21. Only the first 200 eligible applicants will be guaranteed a food basket so return completed applications early.

Recipients must meet guidelines in order to be eligible which includes residence in the school district and be receiving public assistance. A confirmation letter with a family number will be mailed to each eligible family to bring with you when you pick up your food basket on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the First Baptist Church on Main Street. A minister may refer recipients by completing the lower portion of the application and getting the recipients’ signature and information to submit by the deadline.

The schedule of activities for 2016 follows” (Please note the new opportunities).

Oct. 24 – Applications available (DSS in Stockton, El Dorado Springs Health Department, churches, school).

Nov. 21 – noon deadline to have applications returned to health department in El Dorado Springs or DSS in Stockton or (new) 3-5 p.m. to the youth Center (old Liston school) on North Main.

Nov. 21-23 and 28-30 – (new) from noon to 6 p.m. donations of non perishable food and children’s gifts should be delivered to the Youth Center on North Main St. Churches, individuals, civic groups, etc., are encouraged to use this opportunity as the committee will not put out collection barrels this year.

Dec. 14 – (Wednesday) volunteer are needed at 9 a.m. to help wrap gifts. Please bring your own scissors and a friend. (Boxes for gifts are appreciated).

Dec. 16 – (Friday) volunteers needed at 9 a.m. to box up food baskets.

Dec. 17 – (Saturday) baskets and gifts must be picked up from 9-11:30 a.m.