It’ll be a very merry Christmas for a pair of local service organizations thanks to the work of various entities this past week.
The Emporia Area Toy Drive came to an end Sunday at American Legion Post 5 with hundreds of donations lining the tables inside the building. The drive was a cooperative effort between the legion and ABATE of Kansas District 12 supporting Shiloh Home of Hope and the Salvation Army of Emporia.
ABATE District 12 Rep Barry Lorson says there was a tremendous variety in donations.
Lorson adds this is a special event for him calling it “my Christmas gift to myself.”
After dropping off the toy donations to the Salvation Army and Shiloh, members of both organizations sat down back at the legion for a Chili-Cook-Off. The event was free for competitors with a suggested donation for others with all proceeds going to the American Legion.
Prizes were also awarded to the best tasting, best named and hottest chilis submitted.
*Best tasting: Joe Carl
*Best name: Michael Lauppe
*Hottest: Bob Baumer and Mark Shook
Final fundraising totals for both events are currently pending.
