Good stuff for a good cause

‘Tis the season for peace and goodwill – at least it’s getting there. As the calendar creeps toward Christmas, people tend to turn toward their better natures; especially when it comes to considering the less fortunate.

For many, that takes the form of supporting local fundraising efforts such as Shop with a Cop, sponsored by the Merlin Foundation, and buying gifts for children whose names hang on the Angel Tree. This year the ladies at First Christian Church are raising funds for both – and having a lot of fun doing it.

“We collected one hundred and five different, empty baskets, each one a nice gift even without anything in it,” organizer Kathy Dunlap said.

Items to fill the baskets were donated by the dozens – more than enough to fill all 105 to overflowing. Once everything was sorted into age groups and themes, a small cadre of women showed up on Nov. 8 to fill and wrap the baskets. From there they were sent to the bow-making table to be beautifully adorned.

“Wow,” said one woman, “these are really good baskets! I can do my whole Christmas shopping right here next Friday!”

Which means there are some folks who already know what’s in those baskets, so it’s a good idea to arrive right at 9 a.m. on Nov. 18 or 19 when they go on sale along with lots of extra items and home-baked goods. Hours both days 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. All proceeds will go to Shop with a Cop and the Angel Tree fund.

Each year there are always a few names left on the Angel Trees in Eureka Springs and Berryville when the public event ends. Donations from this gift basket sale and other fundraisers will help buy gifts for those children.

As for Shop with a Cop, it’s a fun time for the officers as well as the kids. They all meet on a specific day at Walmart – and set off on a shopping spree. Each officer has $100 to spend on each child in the program, some of whom want to spend a lot of it on their siblings.

ESPD Chief Brian Young has participated in the program for the past 20 years. “If you have one hundred kids, and $100 for each, that’s a lot of money,” he said. The local department holds several other small fundraisers of their own to raise funds for Shop with a Cop, and also participates in the big chili cookoff, which will be held Nov. 29 at the Bobcat Arena in Berryville.

“Now we’re in the midst of No-Shave November. An officer pays $20 and doesn’t have to shave for the month,” Young said. So, if you see a man in blue looking a little scruffy, that’s why. That money goes to the kids, too.

With the economy being what it is, participating in fundraisers like the Basket and Bake sale is an opportunity to buy a gift that turns into gifts for those who can’t buy any.