Elks Lodge gives Christmas baskets
MIDWEST CITY — Midwest City Lodge No. 1890 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently conducted its annual Norman Allinder Memorial Christmas Basket Program.
The program assembled and distributed 208 Christmas baskets to needy families in Midwest City, Del City, Oklahoma City, Choctaw, Harrah and other areas of eastern Oklahoma County.
Some of the volunteers and sponsors contributing to the effort included Elks National Foundation, DAV Chapter No. 39, OKC Harley Owners Group, Lions Club of Midwest City, South OKC Kiwanis Club, Phi Epsilon, Mayco Industries, Celebrity Club, G&R Auto Parts, Steve’s Wholesale Tools, the Allinder Family, the Junior Service League of Midwest City, Country Boy Food Markets, U-Haul of Midwest City, Goddard Concrete and lodge members.
Each basket included a turkey, a ham and everything needed to provide a traditional Christmas dinner. In addition, the baskets contained about a week’s worth of groceries ranging from flour, sugar and canned goods to toilet tissue and candy canes. The retail value of each basket was in excess of $110.
The Elks Christmas Basket Program has been in operation for 45 years and over the years has provided Christmas cheer to thousands of families.
Norman J. Allinder started working as chairman of the Christmas Basket Program in 1992, and it was a project that was near and dear to his heart. After his death, the program was named after him. His wife, Debbie Allinder, has worked the program every year since his death.
For more information about the Elks Christmas Basket Program, contact Stan Mills at 7374218.