For nearly a decade, the Eureka Community has joined forces with a small committee to bless those struggling this holiday season.
Just nine years ago, in December 2016, a small group of willing volunteers joined together to share a blessing box. Through donations and community help, the Eureka Christmas Wellspring was able to bless 30 families. Since then, the Eureka Christmas Wellspring has grown. In 2023, 150 families and 53 residents and Eureka Nursing Center received a blessing.
The annual blessing boxes are intended simply to “give a blessing to others.”
Last year, each family received a special gift box filled with potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, a ham or turkey, and other goodies that were donated by area residents. Generous donations also allowed the group to purchase small gift sacks for every resident at the Eureka Nursing Center. Those gift sacks included fuzzy blankets, basic toiletries (like body spray, lotion and chapstick) and Christmas goodies.
The majority of items last year, purchased through monetary don ations, were purchased at Eureka businesses.
This community kindness project is possible solely through the community’s help with food, gift cards (grocery stores, local dollar stores and Walmart) and monetary donations. Gift cards and mon e t a r y dona t i o n s are used to purchase food where food donations fall short. Members of Eureka Christmas Wellspring are currently accepting donations.
Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at Burke Chiropractic, Community National Bank & Trust, Dollar General, Emprise Bank, Eureka G&W Foods, Eureka Senior Center, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree, Farm Bureau Insurance, Home Bank & Trust, State Farm Insurance and The Eureka Herald, all located in Eureka. Monetary donations and gift cards can be dropped off at The Eureka Herald with checks made payable to Eureka Christmas Wellspring. Other drop-off or pick-up options can be arranged through the group’s Facebook page, “2024 Eureka Christmas Wellspring” or dropped off with any volunteer.
Due to inflation, the group is expecting to see a 20-30% increase in costs for the items needed this year.
Each year, Wellspring starts with a blank slate and accepts names of individuals and families who could use a little “Christmas Spirit” and/or may need assistance. Nominations for others are being accepted. If you know of someone that you believe could benefit from this blessing box, visit the group’s Facebook page and complete the nomination form; contact Melissa Beitz at 620-2224890, Sarah Burke at 316322-5870, Marilee McCoy at 620-583-0378, Christina Harrison at 620-583-2136 or Kacey Countryman at 620-583-2563; or email eurekachristmaswellspring@ gmail.com If leaving a message or emailing, make sure to provide their name, number of family members residing in the home, their address and phone number. Please note that someone must be at that residence on Sunday, Dec. 22.
The deadline for family names to be turned in for deliveries will be Sunday, Dec. 15. This year, volunteers will meet on Sunday, Dec. 22, beginning at 1 p.m. at Marshall Elementary School in Eureka for packing and delivery. Everyone is welcome to join in by helping pack food boxes or deliver them to the families. For more information or questions on how to volunteer or donate, visit the 2024 Eureka Christmas Wellspring Facebook Page.
