To the Editor:

The Holiday Basket Project has completed another season and we would like to thank the many people in this community who were so generous with their time and effort in helping to brighten the holiday season for many Portage County residents in need of assistance.

This past Christmas 1130 families received  a Christmas meal and gifts for the children. Operation Bootstrap assembled and delivered 441 baskets, the Salvation Army provided 120 baskets, and the Elks Club, once again, prepared and delivered 60 foodbaskets for the elderly in our community. St. Paul United Methodist Church prepared and delivered 70 baskets, while St. Bronislava Catholic Church sponsored 65 families in the Plover area.

In addition, the Knights of Columbus provided 80 baskets for Stevens Point families. This program would not be possible without strong community support from these organizations and the many individuals, families, businesses, churches and service organizations who volunteer to sponsor a family or several families.

We would like to thank the radio station, WSPT for the many toys we received through their “Christmas is for children campaign.” The Frame Memorial Presbyterian Youth Group gave generously of their time in getting the toys wrapped. Finally, we would like to recognize Portage County Health and Human Services for printing all of our letters and forms and JHL Mail Marketing for preparing our mailings.

The kindness and generosity of so many area residents made this holiday season a happy one for many families in Portage County. Thank you for supporting Holiday Basket Project 2018.

Mitzi Hlavac, Donna Marx and Karen Aldinger