Editor's note: This article is part of The Inter-Mountain's Comfort & Joy series, which runs the 12 days prior to Christmas.
American Legion Post 29 in Elkins is still accepting food and monetary donations for its annual Christmas baskets program, which will provide about 90 needy families with a turkey dinner this holiday.
The baskets will be distributed from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Post 29. The number of baskets being prepared is up from 75 last year, said Mike Cardinal, first vice commander of Post 29.
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American Legion Post 29 in Elkins is still accepting food and monetary donations for Christmas baskets, which will be distributed from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the post. Volunteers are shown here assembling baskets for a previous year’s event.
"We would greatly appreciate and accept any food or monetary donations for the program," Cardinal said.
Donations can be dropped off today at Post 29 at 326 Railroad Ave., or at Cardinal Creations at 215 Henry Ave.
On Tuesday, Cardinal picked up more than 1,000 cans of donated food at Elkins Middle School. The cans were collected by EMS students.
More youth volunteers will be lending a hand this weekend, as Boy Scouts Troop 66 will help assemble baskets on Friday night and distribute them Saturday morning.
"They've helped us for years, and those kids do a great job," Cardinal said.
The Scouts are known for the courteous way they carry the baskets to the families' vehicles, he said.
The baskets program also received a $500 donation check from Walmart of Elkins.
"They donate and help us out every year," Cardinal said.
Kroger also sells the Legion turkeys at a discount price for the baskets, he said.
The Legion raises money for the program throughout the year, Cardinal added.
"This is always a big event for us. We're primarily here for our veterans and active-duty soldiers and their families. However, we also support children's activities and programs, and with the baskets program we really help out both families and children, and also elderly people who are needy," he said.
Cardinal has been overseeing the baskets program for the last four years.
"This gives me great satisfaction," he said. "Those that really need the help give you the best 'thank you.' They really mean what they say."
More information is available by calling Post 29 at 304-636-3930.
Contact Brad Johnson by email at bjohnson@theintermountain.com.
