The program sign up started at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, for baskets for Northshore community members in need, residing from Blue Lakes to Lucerne.
The group had 20 families waiting in line at 8:30 am, just in Nice. By the end of the sign up, we had more than 50 people sign up at Nice and Upper Lake fire houses.
A few applicants will be dropped for accuracy of information but most will receive a basket of food plus toys and clothing if they have children.
When Sharon from Pet Acres, a longtime organizer of the holiday basket program, shared that we would not have the annual taco feed fundraiser, anxiety set in for just a moment. Then I remembered, the community support that pours out to us so we can make it happen for those in need every season.
Upper Lake school children work like little Santa helpers gathering canned goods for us. It is just wonderful how many items show up, just from the students. I knew that Westamerica Bank would come through with their generous yearly donation and house the gift wish tree in the lobby. Plus Blue Lakes Fire Auxiliary would donate, too.
Sentry Market always comes through every year with assorted breads. As always, the fresh apples from Seely Farms brighten up our recipients' day.
All these things would cover the pantry items needed – children's gifts and clothing plus some of the fresh produce for the whole package. The problem would be the turkeys and hams that are covered by the dinner's profit.
I immediately contacted Order of Sons Of Italy Nice and community members to help out. So far, the club has gathered seven boxes of food items, a $50 donation plus eight turkeys and a ham but we need more, 35 right now if we fill all the applicants needs as the money donated will cover six more turkeys.
If you have a turkey or ham that you would like to donate, please call Pet Acres at 707-275-2729 or Clarke's Collectibles in Nice at 707-274-9175.
You can also make checks out to Upper Lake Fire Auxiliary with food basket in the memo if you don't have time to pick one up. Just call and leave a message.
We are also accepting new toys or clothing for children age one month to 17 years or you can go to Westamerica bank in Upper Lake to pick up a gift wish tag from the tree.
Thank you so much to all that are helping their community members in need.
