SEELEY LAKE - Each year the Seeley Lake Lions Club distributes Holiday Food Baskets to area families in need of help, providing a holiday meal for Christmas.
The Lions perform various fundraisers throughout the year to raise money to purchase turkey dinners, with all the trimmings for those in need. Besides fundraisers by the Lions Club, donations from the community have been made in the past.
All groceries are purchased locally at Cory’s Valley Market. Cory’s employees assemble the food baskets, which are then distributed by Lions Club members.
It has always been a partnership between the Lions and Cory’s Valley Market. Owner of Cory’s and Lion Cory Thompson is the chairman of the Holiday Food Basket program assisted by Lions Cheryl Lewis and Boyd Gossard.
A list of basket recipients is created through community residents and church recommendations and a small group of diverse individuals in the Lions Club who have knowledge of those in need. The list is confidential and only known by the Lion members who deliver the baskets.
The number of baskets varies from year to year depending on the needs in the area. For the last three years the number of baskets delivered has dropped from an average of 38 to 30-35 baskets. Although there is still a need, the economy has slightly improved and some families in need of the baskets have relocated out of the area.
To nominate a family who could benefit from a Holiday basket, contact Lion Thompson 677-2121 or Lion Lewis 677-4041, with address and phone number if available, also note if they have children. Families who are nominated to receive a basket, but do not wish to, may refuse the gesture.
Donations from non-Lions Club members would be greatly appreciated again this year and can be mailed to: Seeley Lake Lions Club, PO Box 215, Seeley Lake, MT 59868 or dropped off at Citizen’s Alliance Bank. Please designate “Holiday Food Baskets” with the donation. The Lions thank everyone for making the holidays a little easier for those in need. Baskets will be delivered Dec. 21.
The Lions will also be collecting donations of dog, cat and puppy food, as well as dustless kitty litter for Paws Up Safe Home. Items collected will be delivered to Paws Up Safe Home for pets (not to be mistaken with Paws Up Resort).
Pet food items may be dropped off at Cory’s Valley Market or at the Seeley Lake Fire Hall, 400 Firehouse Lane. In lieu of pet items, monetary donations may be mailed to: Seeley Lake Lions Club, PO Box 215, Seeley Lake MT, 59868 and should be specified to “Paws Up Safe Home.”
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