Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Breadbasket To Provide Clothing And Food For County's Needy

Breadbasket kicks off its annual fundraising efforts this week, beginning its twelfth campaign to provide food baskets and clothing to the needy before Christmas.

About $5,000 must be raised to fill an anticipated 300 or more food baskets that will be applied for on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 2, 3 and 4.

Donations of food are needed as well cash contributions, which is used exclusively for buying food.

"Our philosophy is simple," Earl Foster said. "We try to provide a no-frills food package to a lot of people who don't have much to look forward to during the holiday season. How much food gets passed out depends on how much money and food we can raise.

"Donations generally start slowly and then peak the week before Christmas," Foster continued. "It's a very intense charity drive. Everything is compressed into a five-week period. It's over almost before it gets started."

Applications for love baskets will be taken from 11:00 a.m. on Monday to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Breadbasket Center, 200 West First South.

Applicants must provide identification and proof of entitlements, such as a social security benefits card, a food stamp card, an unemployment benefits letter or a Medicaid or Medicare card.

Applicants who cannot apply in person can apply by mail through Friday, December 5, at P.O. Box 428, Prescott, AR 71857. Elderly and handicapped applicants should apply Monday. All other applicants should apply Tuesday and Wednesday.

The food basket campaign should become a joint effort of the Nevada County community among the churches, civic clubs, businesses and community volunteers, Foster said. "It seems like everytime we run into a snag, the Lord blesses someone to raise to the occasion," Foster said.

"Part of this community has always carried the love food basket campaign on its back. It's not a free ride, but it is a worthwhile one," Foster concluded.