(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Rising, in partnership with Hy-Vee, will continue to lead the Christmas Box Program this holiday season. The program was originally started by West Central Community Action over 20 years ago. The Jaycees took the program over soon after it started and then passed the program to Atlantic Rising in 2018.

“This program helps families and individuals in need of a Christmas dinner,” Kelsey Beschorner, Programs Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said.

“Atlantic Rising members, along with community volunteers, delivered boxes to 180 individuals and families last year. With today’s continued challenges, we expect to see a continued increase in nominations this year,” Beschorner adds.

Atlantic Rising is preparing for the 7th Annual Trivia Night that will take place early next year. The event will include eight rounds of ten questions each. Categories range from math to music to Saturday Night Live and everything in between. There is a prize awarded to the winning team. Teams are also encouraged to create team themes to add to the fun of the evening.

“Trivia Night is the organization’s main fundraising event for Christmas Boxes, and year after year participants enjoy a fun night while raising money for an impactful project. With the projected numbers of families served, we will also be reaching out to businesses and community members asking for donations and volunteers to help serve as many families as possible. Any time our community needs us, we are there to put in the work,” added Beschorner.

On December 14th, members of Atlantic Rising and local volunteers will fill and deliver boxes of food items to families and individuals who can then use them to cook Christmas dinner.

“Atlantic Rising is proud to carry on this tradition of the Christmas Box program, and we are thankful that we are able to partner with Hy-Vee and give back to the community in such a great way,” Beschorner stated.

To nominate a family or individual, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Atlantic Rising at 712.243.3017 or chamber@atlanticiowa.com.