King's Daughters Distribute Annual Christmas Boxes

Christmas cheer is being delivered to area residents in many forms via the local King's Daughter's organization. The cheer comes in the form of a sweet treat, warm gloves or a Christmas meal.

"About the first of December, we do 'Treat Sacks,' some remembrance of those who have had a bad year or have lost someone," said Machaela Nelson.

Earlier this month, treat bags and cookie trays were delivered to shut- ins, elderly individuals, and those in the community who could use a little cheer. Poinsettias were delivered to individuals who have lost loved ones during the year. In addition, Christmas décor was hung at all three nursing/assisted living centers, along with ensuring that each resident has a small gift. Mittens and warm accessories were collected and disbursed to each Sidney school to aid children in need of gloves and mittens.

Students are referred to the program by teachers and school administrators.

The organization also gives away about 150 food boxes to families in need during this Christmas season. The boxes provided an entire Christmas meal for their family: ham, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, and pie in addition to a few staples: milk, bread and eggs to name a few. Funding for these groceries, purchased from local stores, primarily has come from the King's Daughters fall donation drive.

The King's Daughters coordinates all these efforts with the support of the community. Donors from throughout the community generously support the group financially along with CA Story Foundation grant and Dress Down Day funds. The City of Sidney crews as well as the staff from Sonny's and Safeway are the elves behind the scene as the food items are assembled into the boxes for distribution.

For more than a century, the King's Daughters have extended food, friendship and lent a helping hand to community residents either down on their luck or simply alone at heart. The Sidney Wide Awake Circle of King's Daughters was founded in 1891 by military wives of Fort Sidney soldiers. The Circle continues to assist those in need not only during the Christmas season but with specific needs such as utilities or medical needs throughout the year.

Donations are needed year around to handle these outreach efforts. Individuals or groups who wish to donate may do so in correspondence to: King's Daughters P.O. Box 823, Sidney, NE.