With the ninth annual Eureka Christmas Wellspring event just weeks away, the group who works together with the community to ensure the annual event continues, were selected as this month’s Community Members of the Month.
“We are just a small piece of this event,” stated committee member Melissa Beitz. “We are blessed with a great community who goes above and beyond with this event through donations and volunteer efforts. Without their support this event wouldn’t be possible,” she continued. The committee noted they were grateful for the honor and accepted the monthly award on behalf of both the committee and the community.
The Eureka Christmas Wellspring is the ninth recipient of the “Community Member of the Month” honor for 2024 and will now be eligible for “Community Member of the Year,” which will be voted on by community residents in December 2024 and January 2025.
They will join Isaac Boone, Ariel Treece, Tammi Burtin, Heather Fuesz, Chris Cummings, the Greenwood County Rodeo Association, Mike Pitko and Lela Day on the ballot. A copy of the ballot can be found on page 12 of this week’s edition, as well as at The Eureka Herald, LoMar Drive-in and the City of Eureka water office.
To learn how you can participate, contact Robin Wunderlich at 620-750-0714. Other committee members include Daniel and Desiree McVey, Dolores Ball, Barbara Schlotterbeck, Miranda Colangelo and Heidi Boone.
Eureka Christmas Wellspring
The Eureka Christmas Wellspring was nominated for their efforts in organizing the event, which has served up to 150 families annually.
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 monetary donations are used to purchase food where food donations fall short. Members of Eureka Christmas Wellspring are currently accepting donations.
Each year, Wellspring starts with a blank slate and accepts names of individuals and families who could use a little “Christmas Spirit.” 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 Thankfully, two of the items needed for the blessing boxes have been donated. However, the committee is still needing the following items: Turkeys, Turkey breasts, Hams, Small hams, Potatoes, Stuffing, Chicken Broth, Green Beans (canned), Corn (canned), Mac & Cheese (any kind), Crispy Onions, Dinner Rolls, Gravy, Frozen Pies and Whipped Topping.
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.
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.
