The Christmas Care Drive uses the funds earned to provide food baskets and items of need for the elderly and struggling families in the area. Last year they donated over 400 baskets to citizens around Avon, Albany, Saint Martin, Richmond, Freeport and Farming.

“Last year we had nine families that we know of for sure. We’ve got as many as six nursing homes and assisted living businesses that we donate to. If they come to us and let us know, we can help them out,” said committee member Tyna Meemken.

The Christmas Care Drive is directed by a committee of individuals that work throughout the year to create the events that provide the funds needed to make the care baskets. Bob and Mary Schaefer, Nancy Stalboerger, Steph Jacobs and Terry and Tyna Meemken have been on the committee for two years. They have added to the events that are offered, including a sharing tree and the pictures with Santa. There are plans of reaching out and helping additional area cities including Cold Spring.

“This is a new committee. We are still in the growing process. At this point, we are trying to get our feet wet. It’ll take a few years to grow to where we want, but we need more support. The more support we have in the local communities, the more we can do. It’s important to show our communities what we can do and how we raise our money, to show them that it all goes back into the community,” said Meemken.