Local groups help those in need

In this holiday season, local organizations and businesses are busy with programs to benefit the needy of Sisters.

The Kiwanis Club of Sisters is preparing for as many as 160 families in its annual Christmas Food Basket program. Food Basket applicants must meet the same income criteria as for the Food Bank but do not need to be Food Bank recipients.

Deadline for returning applications is December 13. They can be returned to the Kiwanis House or mailed to Sisters Kiwanis, P.O. Box 1296, Sisters, OR 97759.

Each family will receive food for a complete Christmas dinner plus toys for their children, provided by the Sisters -Camp Sherman Fire Department, and food for pets, courtesy of The Nugget's Furry Friends Pet Food Drive.

Glenn Keeran, Food Bank chairman, is concerned that donations are down this year, both in food and cash contributions. Cash contributions may be made to Sisters Kiwanis Foundation at P.O. Box 1296, Sisters, OR 97759. Food can be left at the Kiwanis House, Main and Fir, or call 549-8059 for pickup.

Pet food donations or cash contributions for food purchases may be made at The Nugget office at 442 E. Main Ave.

Les Schwab is continuing to collect clean wearable coats, with an emphasis on youth sizes, in their Coats for Kids campaign. About 30 coats have been collected. Donations will be accepted until December 15.

Sisters Rotary Club members will accompany 19 elementary school students on a pre-Christmas shopping trip. Each student will receive $50 with which to purchase presents for other family members. The Sisters Elementary School staff has identified those students they feel are in particular need this year.

According to a Rotary spokesman, local businesses contribute by offering substantial discounts for this program. After shopping, the students and their Rotary escorts will meet in a local church for refreshments and a gift wrapping session.

Sisters Rotary is also putting on the eighth annual Magical Voices of Christmas on December 12 at Sisters High School. Traditional songs of Christmas will be performed by Sisters school students of all ages.

The free concert starts at 5:30 p.m.