Children melt the heart of the Grinch at the annual NAG Breakfast and Bake Sale
 

[December 09, 2024]     On the morning of Saturday, December 7th, Elkhart held its annual Needs and Goals (NAG) bake sale. The bake sale was held in tandem with the Grinch Breakfast, which is now in its second year. Cole Hall reprised his role as the Grinch, taking photos with kids and families, as well as walking around and interacting with people.

The event was not held at the Village Hall as it was in the past. According to Leslie Urish, the coordinator of the event, they outgrew the previous building. This year, they chose to have it at the Community Center right around the corner. This year, there was a lot more room to walk around, and more space for all the activities and treats that were available.

There was a table where kids could make their own Grinch inspired ornaments. The table was almost constantly crowded with children and their parents. As soon as a spot opened up, it was very quickly taken by another child or two.

Another station was set up nearby for kids to write letters to Santa telling him what they would like for Christmas. A large box was on the table for the kids to put their letters into when finished. This box, of course, is going to make its way to the North Pole before too long. Some kids wrote their own letters, while smaller children had their parents help them.

As for the breakfast portion of the event, there was a variety of foods and drinks available. A table was set up in the middle full of plates piled high with festive green and red donuts from Mel-O-Cream. Just next to this table was another with a green Grinch inspired juice that was self-serve. Another table was set up with biscuits and gravy, which was being served by a volunteer. Yet another table had a self-serve hot chocolate station. There was even a balloon artist making fun creations for the kids.

As for the bake sale, there were several tables full of sweet treats and goodies. Lois Olson, chair or NAG was around helping shoppers. She informed LDN that all of the money made from this bake sale is used to help purchase lifelines for elderly residents of Elkhart. Olson also highlighted Sarah McCutcheon for helping to organize the bake sale. McCutcheon was modest, stating “I just call and ask, ‘what are you bringing?’” Her good work, however, helps the elderly residents of Elkhart get the tools they need to get assistance in case of emergency.

Overall, the bake sale was another great success for NAG and the residents of Elkhart.

[Matt Boutcher]