After seeing a decrease in applications for Powell’s Christmas basket program last year, organizers are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. 

Eighty families applied for the program last year, but the organization is expecting somewhere between 120-140 this year. It’s been a tough year, said Terry Cronin, one of six organizers for the program.

Families are hurting across the nation, largely due to inflation on some of the most important family expenditures. Right here in the Cowboy State many residents are being forced to learn to live without some basic necessities.

Wyoming has the misfortune of leading the nation with the highest percentage of rent increases. Estimates to rent a one-bedroom apartment are up 15.7% over 2021. But the bleeding doesn’t stop after you find a place to live.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, last year the price of gas was about .60 cents lower than current prices. Meanwhile, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports food prices are up 10.8% for the year; the largest 12-month increase since November 1980. 

Some are now saying it’s cheaper to eat out, yet prices for food away from home increased 7.2% for the fiscal year ending in April, the largest over-the-year percentage increase since an 8.0% increase in November 1981.

One statistic that points to struggles at home; there were about 500 applications for rent assistance from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program prior to its Nov. 1 deadline, which was facilitated on the local level by Hope Lutheran Church in Powell. 

Hope Lutheran Pastor Donna Putney is one of six organizers for the Christmas Basket program along with Terry and Jan Cronin, Howard and Ann Sanders and Mike Giese. Putney said she is inspired by Powell’s willingness to help those in the community facing hardships.

“I am always amazed at the generosity of the Powell community,” she said. “People speak with their hearts when it comes to caring for others. We appreciate all of the financial support to keep the Christmas Basket program going, but what is really our motivation to keep doing it is how our community comes together in so many ways to support each other. Our goal is to assure every family has a Merry Christmas!”

She also offered thanks to businesses and community members for their support.

“Many thanks to those who have supported this program for so many years and to those who are sharing their financial gifts for the first time.”

The key for those hoping to apply for the Powell Christmas Basket program is to get your application in soon. The deadline for submitting applications is Dec. 13.

Applications are available at the Powell Police Department, churches and various assistance agencies.

Distribution of Toys for Tots and Christmas baskets filled with holiday foods will happen Friday, Dec. 23, at Northwest College’s Cabre Gym.

This year there is a turkey shortage due to an outbreak of bird flu across the nation. The group put in their order in early summer, attempting to ensure the holiday birds are available for the event. If they aren’t available, some folks will receive a substitute such as a Christmas ham.

Cronin hopes to include a disposable roasting pan with the baskets, for those who lack the cookware to handle a large bird. 

“We’re trying to reach more people because a lot of [recipients] may not have what they need [to prepare the traditional meal],” he said.

The group is also seeking future menu suggestions in an effort to make the holiday special for families in need.

“We do the basics, you know, potatoes and green beans. But maybe people don’t like green beans,” he said. “If people have different ideas, we hope they will let us know.”

Blair’s Market is once again assisting the group with assembling the meals.

“They’ve been real good to us,” Cronin said.

There are many special people and organizations in the Powell area that are willing to help those in need of a hand up, he said.

“You know, this community comes together when someone is in need. It’s amazing. When something happens, people want to help,” he said.