Adam Klepp from FOX 9 spoke to the Elks, who make sure that no Yuma family can do without this vacation
YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) – On Christmas Eve, volunteers gathered at Elk’s Lodge to collect boxes of groceries for families in need.
The exalted ruler of the Yuma Elks, Gary Gist, says there will be enough food not only for Christmas Eve and Christmas, but also until next week as the kids come home from school.
“You get more than one meal, you can make it into 2 or 3 days,” said Gist. “Each one has a turkey, a couple of loaves of bread, all the side dishes.”
Sandy Ramos led the fundraiser. She says the past two years have been a headache, but Yumans ultimately rose to the challenge.
“Last year we had problems with COVID, we had to separate people. This year we had problems with the goods on the shelves. Thank god for Walmart, Albertsons was amazing and Spartan Final was super helpful, “said Ramos.
The more than 200 boxes of food are delivered directly to the homes of the needy by volunteers and it’s not just about food. They also donated over 800 gifts to 400 children in Yuma County.
“The children, some of them have nothing. That affects the deliverers the most, “says Ursula Gist.” 424 children will be happy, I hope. “
Gary Gist says it’s the kids who make volunteering worthwhile.
“Just to see the smiling faces of some of these kids who don’t otherwise have a Christmas thing. That’s it, “said Gist.
The Elkhütte has been donating food to families around Christmas for 40 years and will continue to do so for as long as the need arises.
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