RDA and numerous members of the Rosedale community teamed up last month to provide holiday gift baskets to 20 families and senior citizens (70 total persons) who needed assistance, as part of the 23rd annual Feed-a-Family program.

From the end of November through mid-December, RDA collected donations of non-perishable food items, household products, children's toys, winter clothes, and cash (which was then used to purchase eggs, margarine, milk, and other food). Harvesters Community Food Network also contributed 20 turkeys – one for each gift basket.

Beneficiaries for the program were referred by local schools, churches, and neighborhood groups. RDA staff then screened the referrals and determined the specific needs of each family.

Many of the families and seniors experienced difficult circumstances last year. There were grandparents raising their grandchildren, single mothers trying to make ends meet, older adults struggling to pay the bills, and children living in unstable environments. Despite these troubles, the gift basket recipients remain hopeful. Many expressed deep gratitude to RDA and the community.

The Feed-a-Family program would not be possible without the generous support of many individuals, businesses, and other organizations in our community. It is heartening to know that Rosedale is a community that cares about its people and will step up to help others, even when the economic times are tough.

Thank you to the following persons and organizations for your contributions:

• Harvesters
• Haun Potato
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• Westwood Apple Market
• John Rohrer Contracting Co.
• KU Police F.O.P. Lodge #37
• KCKPD F.O.P. Lodge #4