Not too early to donate for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets

You might be thinking, “Holy heck, woman. It’s barely October and you’re talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets?”
Yes, yes, I am. Food baskets play an important role in our community for some people. Are there people that take advantage of getting the baskets? Yes, there are. Are they some people that could work but don’t so instead they take advantage of free food opportunities. Yes, there are. Are there people who buy things like cigarettes, booze, and get tattoos? Yes, there are. “Well if they can afford those ….”  The Lord knows, I’ve said that myself only to remember that Jesus didn’t say not to feed the people by the Sea of Galilee because some of them smoked or had a tattoo.   
  A basket can help with more than food; it gives someone an opportunity to do something nice for and with their family. Gathering around a table with food is something many of us take for granted. It isn’t a given for all.
There are also the people that really can’t afford to buy extra food for a holiday meal for themselves.
For some, having a basket means they will have food for a few days. “Leftovers!” Again, something many of us take for granted.
 Are there community dinners that people can attend for either or both holidays?  Yes, there are, and they are amazing! Yet, they aren’t for everyone.
There are people that can’t get to or don’t feel comfortable at a community gathering. Maybe they don’t have nice clothes to wear in public. Maybe large crowds are a mental challenge.  Maybe they have physical limitations. Maybe they are embarrassed.
The Basin Area Food Bank is working with area churches, organizations, and Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon to provide food for the baskets and to keep food in the pantry.  
As you shop now or year-round, please consider items such as tea bags, coffee, hamburger, tuna, cooking oil, butter/margarine, sugar, flour, spices, salt/pepper, boxed milk, fresh produce (close to the distribution date), dish soap, eggs, toilet paper, paper towels  and sandwich bread. Canned goods but not everyone has or is able to use a can opener so cans with pop tops are helpful. In Basin there are drop off boxes at the chamber and Basin’s Market. Checks maybe written to Basin Area Food Bank and mailed to PO Box 284, Basin, WY 82410. Dates of baskets distributions will be announced soon.