Sponsored by the Starbuck VFW

Houses are being decorated, the smells of cookies are filling our homes, and children are preparing their lists for Santa. However; the one thing that all too often gets overlooked is the gift of giving to those that are less fortunate than us.

In 1989, the Christmas Care program was started to help local families in need during the holiday season. It started with just a few people volunteering their time to help bring smiles to young boys and girls and their families.

Twenty years later, Christmas Care has continued to grow and is still helping families in Pope County. This year on Dec. 20 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., we have invited families to come and enjoy lunch, choose a gift for each member of their family, take home a food basket with a Christmas meal in it, and visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus who bring treat bags for all the kids. The smiles on everyone’s faces are worth more than anything.

The Minnewaska Jaycees, Starbuck VFW and Auxiliary ask that everyone please remember the families that are not so fortunate during the holiday season. There are several ways to help a family in need this holiday season:

• Donate a new gift for an adult or child at any local church or bank in Starbuck, Lowry, and Cyrus.
• Make a monetary donation at First National Bank or Bremer Bank in Starbuck.
• If anyone knows of any families or elderly that could use some holiday cheer, please contact Dick and Lori Woodbury at 239-4738 or Ray and Carol Holten at 239-2621.

The members of the Christmas Care program would like to thank the local businesses, churches, banks, and community members for their continual support over the past 20 years. Without you, the program wouldn’t be possible.

Please help the holiday season be a happy one, give the gift of giving. It will warm the hearts of all.