Applications for Powell’s Christmas Basket program will be available early this year to help organizers prepare for a higher number of families in need this holiday season.

“Last year we were down [in families served], but I think we’ll have a greater need this year,” said Terry Cronin, volunteer program organizer.

In 2020, applications dropped by about 30% due to the difficulty of getting the word out to those in need amid social distancing measures. But Cronin wants to ensure nobody goes without the necessary ingredients for a proper celebration. Baskets include food and toys for children who would otherwise go without.

Beginning Monday, families can pick up applications at the Powell Police Department, the Park County School District 1 office or at participating churches.

Cronin, who suffered severe burns in a workplace accident in August, returned to Powell a few days ago after being hospitalized in Colorado at the Western States Burn Center. Cronin was electrocuted while drilling a well, and the burns required the amputation of large portions of his feet. He’s moving a little slower than normal, but is passionate about his charitable roles in the community.

“I’m walking again, but I just can’t go far,” he said.

Skin grafts have been very painful and Cronin is still waiting to be fit with prosthetics to replace toes and portions of his feet; his burns from the more than 19,000 volts were classified as 4-plus, meaning bones were burned in the accident and he’s already endured three major surgeries. Fortunately the charge didn’t hit internal organs.

Cronin has typically been on the giving end, volunteering for charities for decades. This past few months he was forced to be on the receiving end and has been touched by the level of support from the community.

“The outpouring of support and prayers has been amazing,” he said.

Cronin said he’s not on his own with the Christmas Basket program, either, with many volunteering to help keep it moving efficiently. That includes his wife, Jan; Howard and Ann Sanders; and Donna Putney and Mike Giese.

“It’s something we all believe in strongly,” Cronin said. “We have a lot of good people and we’re moving forward.”