(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber’s Annual Scrooge Contest is underway during the month of November. The contest was created by Eleanor Hoover in 2002. Jackie Sampson and Karen Miller took over the reins in 2019 following Hoover’s passing. Over the last 22 years, the contest has generated substantial monetary and canned good donations for the Atlantic Food Pantry. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce says “Every year, I ask myself how the community can one up themselves and, every year, I’m always impressed that they manage to do just that. Last year, our contestants had a record year, raising $29,723 and 1876 food items. This benefits a growing number of individuals and families in our community.”

“Our food pantry continues to see an increase of individuals and families in need of food assistance. We have such a great group of candidates this year and I’m grateful to Jackie and Karen for volunteering a lot of their time to make this contest happen. I have no doubt this will be another successful year for the pantry and our community,” Smith said.

The Scrooge contestants raise money and collect non-perishable food items for the Atlantic Food Pantry. The 2024 candidates include: Randy & Michelle Roy, Randy’s Computer, Graydon Schmidt, Schmidt Family Funeral Homes, Jeremiah Thompson, Landus & Atlantic Fire Department, and Ben Winford, New Life Church. The contest will run from November 1st to November 26th at noon. The contestant with the most points will be named Scrooge, and all proceeds will benefit the Atlantic Food Pantry. Winner of the Scrooge Contest serves as the Grand Marshal in the Lighted Parade on December 7th at 6 PM in Downtown Atlantic. Cash donations are worth 5 points on the dollar and one non-perishable item earns the contestants one point.

Left to right: Graydon Schmidt, Randy & Michelle Roy, Jeremiah Thompsen, and Ben Winford.

The Atlantic Food Pantry is asking for a specific list of food items, with a focus on monetary donations to help purchase other food items that are needed, including meat and refrigerated items. The list of needed food items includes:

Cream of Chicken/Mushroom Soup
Tomato/Chicken Noodle Soup
Ramen Noodles
Hamburger Helper
Canned Beef Ravioli/Spaghetti O’s
Instant Sides (Packages) – Pasta, Sauce or Potato
Boxed Cereal
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Saltine Crackers
Canned Fruit
Canned Tuna/Chicken
Macaroni & Cheese
Canned Vegetables
18 oz. Creamy Peanut Butter
Quick Oats (no milk needed)
Pancake/Waffle Mix (no milk needed)
Pancake/Waffle Syrup
Boxed Noodles
Pasta Sauce
Chili Beans
Diced Tomatoes
Canned Manwich or Sloppy Joe

Donations to a contestant can be made by delivering food or funds to their drop-off locations. For more information, please call the Chamber at 712.243.3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. The contest will run November 1st – November 26th. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.

Past Scrooge titles have been awarded to: Mary Ann Moorman 2007, Dana Halder 2008, Tammy Wise & Janet Huey 2009, Ritchie Anderson 2010, Janet Cappel 2011, Melanie Petty 2012, David Miller 2013, Mark McNees 2014, Ted Robinson 2015, Jon Johnson 2016, Rob Stamp 2017, Rob & Sonya Clausen 2018, Billie Hoover, Jackie Sampson & Lori Christianson 2019, Brain Ruge 2020, Ray Paulin 2021, Dr. Matt Weresh, 2022, and Sheryl Dusenberry 2023.