Loomis Basin seeks donations for Christmas Basket program

The Loomis Basin Christmas Basket program is seeking donations for the annual effort to help local families this holiday season. Volunteers are rallying around greater Loomis once again for the holiday tradition of giving to the less fortunate in the Basin. Toys and food baskets will be distributed Dec. 14, officials said. The non-profit is receiving food from 18 Basin schools. The program serves Newcastle, Penryn, Ophir, Loomis and Rocklin. Volunteers expect to collect about 14,000 pounds of food, or seven tons, said Board Member Patrick Aiello. The donated foodstuffs will then be sorted by a small army of volunteers to fill about 450 baskets. The community is invited to help with the sorting and box filling at the church on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, said 22-year basket veteran Jennifer Doupnik. Non-perishable food needed includes canned meats, rice potatoes, peanut butter, pasta, jelly, gravy, stuffing, canned fruit/vegetables, cereal, etc. Toys and other things to donate include board games, Legos, art supplies, throw blankets, craft kits, CD players, skateboards, razor scooters, sleeping bags, alarm clocks, earbuds, personal hygiene products, sports equipment, jackets, gift cards, etc. Donations will be taken through Dec. 12. Locals can off drop donations at the South Placer Firehouse at 5840 Horseshoe Bar Road, and the First United Methodist Church of Loomis, 6414 Brace Road. Volunteer Henry Schneider worked to get another firehouse for a toy collection drop-off. Those in the southern Basin neighborhood can drop off toys at South Placer Fire Station 20, 3505 Auburn Folsom Road, Loomis 95650. The organization accepts money donations. Tax-deductible checks can be sent to P.O Box 687 Loomis, CA 95650. Make out the check to "Loomis Basin Christmas Baskets." Applications for baskets can be picked up at First Methodist. To apply, all must have an ID and physical proof of address in the Loomis, Penryn, Ophir, Newcastle and Rocklin areas. All applications must be postmarked or received by Dec. 8. With limited office hours, applications and a drop box is available in front of the Methodist Church around the clock. Meanwhile, the Loomis Basin Chamber of Commerce is holding the annual Christmas Basket Mixer on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Blue Goose Event Center downtown.