OTHELLO — Donations are being accepted for the annual Christmas basket distribution in Othello. Co-chair Ken Johnson said it’s the continuation of a longtime Othello tradition. 

“We’re at either 46 or 47 years. It can even be 48 (years)," Johnson said.  

The Christmas basket program is a volunteer effort, started by a group of guys having a conversation about what they could do to help their less-fortunate neighbors at Christmas. Over time, it grew until it involved the entire community.  

Adams County Fire District 5 and the Othello Fire Department will sponsor an all-you-can-eat breakfast Sunday at the Othello Eagles Lodge, 127 E. Larch St. Cost is $10 per person.  

“It’s kind of a kickoff to our fundraising season,” he said.  

Distribution will be Dec. 20. The baskets are assembled at ACFD 5 Fire Hall, 220 S. Broadway Ave., and distributed by volunteers who take them to the recipients.  

“We’ve got a short two-week (donation) period,” Johnson said.  

A number of Othello churches will be conducting door-to-door food drives around town Dec. 17, and some schools are sponsoring food drives. People can drop off donations of cans, bottles and bags of non-perishable food and new toys at Johnson’s Glass, 20 S. Broadway Ave. 

Cash donations also are accepted, Johnson said, and can be made at Columbia Bank’s Othello branch, 605 E. Main St., and the Othello US Bank branch, 401 E. Main. Donations should be designated for the Othello Community Christmas Basket program. 

People who want to donate can also contact the program through its social media, he said. 

Recipients are nominated by people around town.  

“This is still a 100% referral program,” Johnson said. “We try to reach those who are really in need.” 

One basket is allowed per family.  

The committee that spearheads the project includes about eight people, he said, and its members are looking for help to make up the baskets a couple of days before distribution. Volunteers will be needed on Dec. 20 to deliver the baskets, and Johnson said the Othello community always answers the call, whether it’s donating food, assembling the baskets or delivering them.  

“We’ve had no problem with people jumping in and helping out,” he said. “It’s been the whole community that comes together.” 

It's also a project of the Johnson family; Johnson’s uncle Merritt Johnson was one of the guys talking about helping the less fortunate all those years ago, and Merritt Johnson is still the co-chair.

“It’s the Christmas spirit, I believe,” Johnson said. “That’s a lot of it.”