Generosity of the community allows Emblem Club to ‘pay it forward’

[December 19, 2020]     On Saturday morning a large number of folks gathered in the parking lot and back ally at Lincoln IGA. They were there to pick up and deliver food baskets to those in need in the Logan County community. The gift of food was provided by the Lincoln Emblem Club thanks to the great generosity of the community.

All together more than 100 deliveries were made with each family receiving three bags of groceries and one gallon of milk. There were also one and two member households on the list and those folks received two bags of groceries and a half gallon of milk.

Rachel Lessen has been the coordinator for the food delivery for the past four years and says the Emblem Club has been doing this project for at least the last 15 years.

The group acquires the names and addresses of the families in need through a variety of sources. Lessen said this year they contacted schools in Logan County and asked for referrals of families with school aged children who could use a little extra help this holiday season.

She also posted an announcement on the Giving Back to Logan County Facebook page and spoke with Safe Haven Hospice. Lessen said in addition to all this, word of mouth brought more names of families in need this year.

Lessen said that the number of baskets delivered is about the same as it has been in past years.

She said she did have some concerns going into the food-drive this year.

The club generally hosts an annual Christmas auction and dinner in November. The proceeds from that event go toward the food project. In 2020, the club was not able to hold that event due to current covid restrictions on gatherings.

“So this year, we sent out letters asking for donations,” said Lessen. “I honestly did not think we would receive a good response but we did! About a week after we sent the letters out I went to check our mailbox. I figured there would only be one or two donations. There were over 30 envelopes with donations in them. I almost started crying right there in the post office. I got home and started opening the envelopes as fast as I could. There was a $20 check in one, $50 check in another, and so on. We even received two $500 donations from two area business. The businesses and people of Logan County really pulled through!”

In addition to the generous donations from the community, the Emblem Club received a $3,500 grant from the Elks Organization to use specifically for the baskets/bags.

Each delivery included a variety of food items. “Usually there is meat, such as a ham, noodles/pasta, eggs, canned foods and a potato (boxed or a bag of potatoes), bread, cheese and butter,” said Lessen.

On Saturday morning as people gathered and the cars lined up, each driver was given envelopes and a list of deliveries they would be making. Inside the envelope the Emblem Club included a letters of season’s greetings to each recipient household.

The letter said, “Wishing you all the timeless treasures of Christmas, the warmth of home, the love of family, and the company of good friends. We hope that you enjoy the Holiday basket that we are presenting to you today.

“As you prepare, serve and feast on this meal remember that it is because of Christ's birth that we celebrate this season of family, of song and of Spiritual Nourishment! Blessings!

“The ladies and Friends of Lincoln Emblem Club #433.”

Lessen said that the club could not do this amazing food drive without the help of a lot of people. On delivery day, it is not just Emblem Club and Elk members who show up for delivery. Lessen said that over the years, the club has had tremendous support in getting the baskets out as many members of the community not connected to the Emblem or Elks Clubs show up to load up their vehicles and spend the morning dropping off bags of groceries to those in need.

Lincoln IGA is also very supportive. They put together all the food bags and have everything ready and waiting when the club arrives. IGA staff help get the cars loaded and whenever the vehicle has everything it is supposed to have, the drivers head out to make the deliveries.

Lessen noted that this year, the process was a little different because generally the group meets at the IGA early and enjoys a hearty breakfast together with food prepared by the IGA. This year they were unable to do the breakfast, which was sad but okay. Keeping the group safe trumped having a meal together this year. The club does look forward to having that breakfast next year though along with other activities they are accustomed to that have been prohibited this year.

[Nila Smith]