The Elk City Christmas Basket, sponsored by the Elk City Ministerial Alliance has begun its Christmas Basket fund raising drive for the 2024 Christmas season. This program was begun in the mid 1930’s during the Great Depression by Paul Wade the late editor of the Elk City Daily News and continued by his son,thelateLarryWade. It has continuously provided food items for approximately 85 years to people in need at Christmas time. Thanks to the generosity of individuals in the Elk City area last year we were able to provide 250 baskets (boxes) of food to families representing approximately 700 individuals who were served.
This year a family in Elk City has pledged to match up to $5,000 in gifts that are given by individuals or through local churches for the Christmas Basket Fund. If we receive the total matching funds, this will provide most of the finances needed to provide baskets for families this year. To date we have received $2075 in matching funds for this year’s Christmas Baskets.
We also gladly accept donations from businesses and organizations that wish to support this worthwhile endeavor. Individuals, organizations and groups, may drop off a donation at the Elk City Chamber of Commerce, 102 S. Main St; First National Bank, 2714 W 3rd; or Elk City News, 109 W. Broadway. They can also mail donations to Elk City Christmas Basket Fund c/o Elk City Church of God, Elk City, OK 73644.
Individuals may call their own name in or the name of other individuals needing a Christmas Basket during the week of December 9-13. CallintimesonDecember 9-12 will be from 9am – 3pm.
The call in time for December 13 will be from 9am – Noon. No calls will be accepted before December 9th or after noon on December 13th.
The number to call for baskets is 225-0066. Individuals who are eligible for a basket, must have an Elk City Adress.
Those who live in the city limits may have their basket delivered to them or they may pick it up. Those outside of the city limits must pick their basket up.
All of the food is bought locally and distributed from St. Matthews Catholic Church on December 21st beginning at 8:00 a.m. Individuals who are picking up their basket may do so from 9 -11:30 am at St. Matthew’s. Packing and delivery are done by youth in our high school organizations, the Boy Scouts, and local churches.
If you would like more information concerning the Christmas Basket Program please call 225-0227.
