FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — Organizers of a holiday donation drive in central Iowa say that after more than 60 years, this will be the charity’s final event because younger volunteers haven’t stepped up to take on the huge task. The Messenger reports that Operation Christmas in Fort Dodge is run by Church Women United. Program co-chair Ruth Reed says the group collects winter clothing, household items, Christmas decorations, personal hygiene products, toys, food and other gifts. The items are then given to needy families around Christmas time.
In recent years, about 500 families have been helped each year. Reed says she can’t continue running the operation, noting she’s now 81. The group will begin accepting donations on Nov. 14 and start taking applications from families on Nov. 27. Donations will be delivered Dec. 15.