Christmas basket program coordinators Terry and Jan Cronin and Howard and Ann Sanders have been working hard behind the scenes to make the annual assistance program special.

They credit generous donors in Powell for making it possible to share the Christmas spirit with those in need of assistance during the holiday season, but as leaders of the program it’s their desire to make the program better each year that drives their creativity.

Since taking over in 2019, the group has strived to improve the meal bundles. Qualifying families receive a turkey with all the trimmings, as well as some staples like milk. Last year the volunteer group added a disposable roasting pan for cooking convenience. Not every family has the kitchen equipment to cook a big turkey, Cronin pointed out. They also started to add diapers for families with children 2 years old and younger.

“We keep thinking, what else can we put in? We're trying to give as much as we can,” Terry Cronin said.

This year’s deadline for applications for the Christmas Basket program is Tuesday, Dec. 12. Applications are available at numerous locations in Powell, including the Powell Police Department, The Department of Family Services (in the Park County Annex), Loaves and Fishes, The Northwest Trading Post, and area schools and churches.

The Christmas Basket and Toys for Tots distribution will be Friday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m.-noon at Northwest College’s Cabre Gym. Volunteers will be offering curbside service to keep the process streamlined and safe.

The Christmas basket program application is also the official application for the U.S. Marines’ charitable Christmas program, Toys for Tots. The Big Horn Basin’s coordinator for the group is former Marine combat engineer Harold Wages.

He’s been with the group for years, previously organizing the annual drive for a seven year stint, and is now in his second year back after a four-year break volunteering to take the lead. His inspiration for the tough position is both wanting to help families in need of assistance during the holiday season and, hopefully, to encourage the families to be future advocates for their communities.

The program is well known across the nation. U.S. Marines and dedicated volunteers conduct more than 850 local toy collection and distribution programs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere Community Action Program provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to disadvantaged children across the nation through the gift of a new toy, book, game or other gifts.

It is estimated that 41% of America’s children live at or below the poverty level. The mission of Marine Toys for Tots is to bring the joy of Christmas to these children, with messages of hope that will inspire them.

Last year, Toys for Tots set new records, with over 24.4 million toys and books provided to nearly 10 million children in need across the nation.

Yet, only a handful of counties in Wyoming participate in the program.

“I thought everybody had Toys for Tots,” Wages said. “But it turns out that they don't. Right now there’s only six counties in Wyoming that has the Toys for Tots program.”

He’d like to see more folks in the Cowboy State have access to the program that puts smiles on the faces of children during the happiest time of the year. You can help locally; Toys for Tots collection boxes will be delivered Friday to Powell-area and Big Horn Basin businesses and organizations for this year’s effort, he said.

To make donations:

Christmas Basket Program:

PO Box 124, Powell, WY, 82435

Toys for tots: toysfortots.org