Othello residents deliver Christmas baskets

OTHELLO — Christmas baskets filled with food, clothing and toys will be delivered to families in need around Othello.

On Saturday, volunteers meet to put together and deliver the baskets as they have for the past 35 years.

Last year, residents delivered almost 300 baskets.

“We’re trying to get to the most needy families we can,” says Merritt Johnson, one of the event’s original organizers. “It’s something else to see a small community like Othello get together and get those 287 baskets out in three hours.”

Merritt says the idea came around when he, his brother Richard, and some friends were talking at the Eagles lodge during the holidays.

“We knew some families who were down on their luck for Christmas,” Johnson says. “We each threw down money, about $20, and gave out seven baskets that first year.”

Johnson says organizers try to include enough food for four meals, and any extra food is given to the Othello Food Bank.

“I do it because it’s nice to be able to help somebody. The feeling is just unreal when you walk into some of these people’s houses and see that they have nothing and to be able to put a smile on their face,” said DeeDee Graves, who helps coordinate the event.

Organizers are still looking for donations and volunteers.

“In the past people have brought in hats and gloves and blankets and food to help with the donations,” Graves says.

The baskets are given out based on referrals from community members.

Anyone can refer a family to receive as basket, volunteer or donate items by calling 509-488-5088 or 509-488-2471.