KELLOGG — The Kellogg Senior Activity Center will host the annual Silver Valley Community Christmas Fund telethon fundraiser next week.

The fundraiser is a collaboration between Shoshone County and the Shoshone News-Press with the goal of ensuring residents have Christmas dinners to share with their families. 

With increased costs for most food items, organizers are concerned the financial need will be greater than in previous years. 

“Increased costs and many other factors have made it difficult for many families to make ends meet,” Shoshone County Clerk Lori Osterberg said. “No one should have to miss out on a special Christmas dinner. Our community has always supported one another, and the ongoing success of this fundraiser truly reflects that generosity.” 

Since its inception in the 1990s, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to provide holiday meals for families while also supplementing the Silver Valley Meals on Wheels program and supporting grocery stores. 

“Donations from this event help us provide gift certificates to families in need, giving them the ability to purchase holiday dinner items at local grocery stores,” Osterberg said. 

The value of each certificate is based on the size of the household. In past years, the certificates have enabled more than 1,000 people to receive meals. 

The fundraiser also contributes thousands of dollars annually to the Senior Meals on Wheels program.

Shoshone County originally partnered with KWAL 620 AM Radio for the fundraiser but transitioned to the News-Press after the radio station closed in 2018. Despite closing its physical office in 2023, the News-Press has stayed involved with the fundraiser and hopes to see it return to the heights it experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I grew up listening to George White and Paul Robinson on KWAL, so it was an honor to have the opportunity to carry on their legacy,” News-Press Local Editor Josh McDonald said. “Our first couple of years we were really successful with our fundraisers, and I think, along with Lori, that we can get back to that.” 

As in previous years, special interviews and discussions will air on the News-Press Facebook page throughout the day, along with fun photos featuring major donors.  

The annual price tag to cover the holiday meals has been on the uptick, averaging around $13,500. This year, the Silver Valley Community Christmas Fund has a goal of $20,000 so it can ensure the Senior Meals on Wheels program receives a healthy donation as well. 

The event will feature special guests making appearances at the senior center, including local legend Juli Zook, who is always ready to issue a donation challenge or two. 

Dave Smith GMC has already committed a substantial donation to get the ball rolling, but McDonald and Osterberg hope to see everyone get in on the fun. 

“We want to issue an open challenge to our local elected officials, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, realtors, medical professionals, auto repair and towing companies, attorneys and contractors to come in and make the biggest donation,” Osterberg said. 

Donations can be mailed to Lori Osterberg at Dave Smith Christmas Fund, 700 Bank St., Suite 120, Wallace, ID 83873. The special fundraiser is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Kellogg Senior Activity Center, 211 McKinley Ave. 

To make a pledge for a donation, call 208-784-8889 or 208-512-5089.