For the eighth consecutive year, community members came together to bless 150 area families with a Christmas meal.
Over the last month, organizers have been collecting monetary and food items to create the blessings for the individual families.
Last Sunday, a total of 57 community members joined the Eureka Christmas Wellspring committee to box the items and deliver the blessings throughout the area.
“We appreciate the money, donations of food, warm thoughts, encouragement and time spent to make this event possible,” commented Wellspring organizers.
Names are submitted to committee members as a “gift or blessing” to someone who the nominator felt was in need of a little Christmas spirit, a welcome to Eureka or “I’m thinking of you.”
The Blessing Box, comprised of a Christmas meal, is simply just a way to share an unexpected gesture of kindness to those within the community.
Members of the Sacred Heart Altar Society, and other community members, wrapped the boxes last month.
“We appreciate the support of USD 389 for use of their facilities, all of the volunteers and The Eureka Herald for their support in sharing our mission,” stated com-mittee member Melissa Barkus.
Because of the love given in monetary donations, 53 gift bags were gifted to the residents at the Eureka Nursing Center. The residents had a few Christmas wishes: soda pop, chocolate, warm socks, tissues with lotion, hand lotion and body wash. Although the project is primarily focused on during November and December, volunteers begin preparing for the next year’s event shortly after the current year’s concludes. Monetary donations, for the Eureka Christmas Wellspring, can be made throughout the year by sending donations to Eureka Christmas Wellspring, c/o Emprise Bank, PO Box 588, Eureka, KS 67045. For more information, or questions on how to volunteer or donate, visit the 2023 Eureka Christmas Wellspring Facebook page or contact one of the following committee members: Barkus at 620222-4890, Sarah Burke at 316-322-5870, Marilee McCoy at 620-583-0378, Ava Jones at 620-583-9084 or Kacey Countryman 620-583-2563.
The Eureka Christmas Wellspring board members, along with the many volunteers, wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with love and joy.
(Courtesy photo)
