Seeley Lake Lions Club members load up baskets of food at Valley Market Saturday, Nov. 19, 1988 to help spread the holiday spirit to folks who might need a little extra help. The Thanksgiving baskets contained a turkey, stuffing, milk, rolls, cheese, nuts and plenty of other items to provide a family feast. The Lions Club has served as the vehicle for distribution since 1984. The packages are funded by anonymous donors. From left are Dick Duncan, Larry Marx, Sam Moore, Jeff Macon, Jerry Ding and Jim Cowan.
SEELEY LAKE - It's getting to be that time of year again as Christmas fast approaches. Each year 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 club, personal donations have been made in the past from community residents.
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 Market, formally Wold's, said Lion Cheryl Lewis. Cory is very supportive of the program and is expanding his role this year to chairman. He will be assisted by Lion Pat Mitchell and Lion Cheryl Lewis.
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 two 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, you may contact Lion Cory Thompson 677-2121, Lion Pat Mitchell 210-2437 or Lion Cheryl 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 to Cheryl. Please designate "Holiday Food Baskets" with the donation. The Lions thank everyone for helping make the holidays a little easier for those in need.
Baskets will be delivered Dec. 20.
Holiday food baskets are not the only food-related activity the Lions are involved with this Holiday season. This year the Lions are excited to expand their donation efforts for Paws Up Safe Home for pets. Donations of dog, cat and puppy food, as well as kitty litter will be collected and delivered to Paws Up Safe Home for pets (not to be mistaken with Paws Up Resort). Pet food items may de dropped off at Cory's Market or Rovero's, at a designated area. 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 as a Paws Up donation.
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