Baskets for those in need
Roger Kesting has been helping the Lions Cub distribute food baskets since he came to the area in 1981. Back then, no more than 15 baskets were distributed to needy families in the areas. As the numbers started to grow, the Women and Timber also became a part of the effort to put together and deliver food baskets to needy families.
A couple years ago, the two groups delivered around 110 baskets. Last year, close to 80 baskets were handed out to families living throughout Mineral County.
“We’re really fortunate that Women and Timber teamed up with us,” Kesting said. “It’s a lot different when you’re doing more than 30 boxes opposed to ten.”
Kesting said that baskets are delivered to those who apply and meet criteria for the baskets. He said that ninety percent of the houses they go to when they are delivering the baskets don’t have anything.
“Some don’t even have a Christmas tree or presents under the tree,” Kesting said. “I’ve been Santa a few times and it’s heart wrenching when you hand a present to a four or five-year-old and say put this under a tree and they respond by telling you they don’t have a tree.”
Kesting also said that most of the people who receive baskets utilize the food bank regularly and use food stamps. The boxes are delivered the weekend before Christmas. Kids under 18 receive a gift. Boxes are assembled on Friday night, the 17th of this year, and then on Saturday morning, the stuff that needs refrigerated is picked up and added.
Joanne Merseal, from Women and Timber, said that they purchase what they have to for the baskets with funds raised through the thrift store in Superior. Merseal keeps track of how many baskets are delivered each year, what goes into each basket, how many kids receive presents and how much it costs to put a single basket together. The groups split the cost each year and Merseal said she feels that the partnership has worked well. Merseal said the women are in charge of ordering all the food and getting the toys. The Lions Club members help assemble the baskets and also deliver them throughout the entire county.
“These baskets are for all needy families in Mineral County,” Merseal said.
Applications are available at different places throughout the county and the deadline is Dec. 10. Merseal said that Mineral County is one of the poorest counties in the state and she’s anticipating a lot more baskets will be distributed this year.
“A lot more people seem to be laid off and I think there’s going to be a larger need this year,” she said. “I hope we are filling the need and I think we are.”
The groups are busy compiling a list of names and gathering what they need to fill the baskets. It takes a large volunteer effort each year, which enables the groups to put out the number of baskets they do. The baskets will have everything needed for a traditional Christmas dinner and will include turkey, potatoes, eggs and other items.
“I just enjoy doing it,” Merseal said. “I’ve done it for over twenty years now and I just enjoy it. I think the rest of the women do as well.”
Applications can be found At the Office of Public Assistance, Mineral County Food Bank and the Human Resource Council in Superior. To pick up an application in St. Regis, visit Stang’s Food Center or the St. Regis Post Office. Applications can be picked up at the food bank in Alberton as well.