PRESTON — Christmas will be brighter for 625 families this year thanks to the generosity of the Preston Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, community volunteers, and businesses across Cache Valley.
Delivering food boxes to those in need has become a cherished seasonal tradition for the Preston Elks. Jackie Andersen, who has led the project for nine years, spearheaded the operation this year as the lodge treasurer. Volunteers gathered, sorted, and distributed food to families in Montpelier, Soda Springs, Lava Hot Springs, Bancroft, Richmond, Lewiston, and surrounding areas.
The food boxes include staples like canned fruits and vegetables, Goldfish crackers, cookies, peanut butter bars, flour, sugar, eggs, and smoked pork shoulder. Families also receive hygiene kits containing soap, shampoo, and toothbrushes.
“It’s a lot of work, but it pays off. There is no way to describe the feeling you get when everything is done and cleaned up,” Andersen said. “It is very heartfelt and satisfying. I don’t have the words to describe the feeling.”
The Elks have been providing Christmas meals for over 70 years. What began with just 10 to 15 baskets has grown significantly, reaching as many as 800 families in peak years. Local businesses play a vital role; donations this year came from Schreiber Foods, Gossner’s Food, Pepperidge Farm, Gilt Edge, Oakdale Farms, Stokes Market, Lower Foods, Presto Products, Gibbs Farms, and Beutler Farms. Additionally, ConAgra in American Falls donated frozen potatoes.
Financial support was also strong. “We sent letters to area businesses to see if they would help, and so many were willing to step up this year,” Andersen noted.
Local involvement extended to Franklin County schools, which provided the bulk of the canned goods through food drives. Church youth groups also assisted in organizing and assembling the boxes throughout the week. The massive effort concluded on Saturday, Dec. 20, as volunteer drivers delivered the final baskets to local homes in time for the holiday.