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Urgent Food Drive in Wakarusa Ends Soon – Help Families Today!

Urgent Food Drive in Wakarusa Ends Soon – Help Families Today!
Editorial
  • PublishedNovember 22, 2025

UPDATE: The annual food drive at Union Center Daycare and Preschool in Wakarusa is set to continue through November 26, just days before Thanksgiving. The community is urged to donate non-perishable food items and toiletries to ensure that every family can enjoy a proper holiday meal.

Donations can be dropped off at the school, located at 70535 C.R. 11, and placed into the “belly” of the Giant Turkey, positioned outside the church library. All collected items will be distributed to the Open Door Food Bank in Nappanee, which serves the entire Wa-Nee region, making this a vital initiative for families in need.

As the holiday season approaches, every contribution counts. Residents are encouraged to act quickly as the deadline is fast approaching.

Additionally, Wakarusa’s Shortstop Inn will host a “Black Out Wednesday” game night on November 22 starting at 6 p.m. This event promises a night of fun, camaraderie, and free jukebox tunes until 11 p.m., making it a perfect way to connect with friends before the holiday.

Looking ahead, donations of new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for older children are needed for the upcoming Christmas Jubilee at The Center. Collection boxes can be found at the Wakarusa Public Library, Shortstop Inn, and Seifert’s Pharmacy until December 5. This event aims to bring joy to over 300 children in the community, with gifts being distributed on December 13.

Wakarusa residents can also take advantage of community leaf pick-up services, which will continue until December 2. Leaf collection occurs on specific days: Mondays and Wednesdays for east/west streets, and Tuesdays and Thursdays for north/south streets. Residents are reminded to keep their leaf piles curbside without any foreign materials.

In addition, the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana is hosting a “Holiday of Hope” blood drive on December 2 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Claywood Event Center, located at 13920 N. 1100 West. They are aiming for 24 donors to meet critical patient needs.

The Wakarusa Historical Museum is also stepping up by allowing donations of non-perishable food items at its Little Free Library, which can help those struggling with food insecurity.

Finally, families can engage in a themed dinner activity through the Wakarusa Public Library’s Family Dinner Book Club, featuring “Little House in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Call 574-862-2465 for more information.

With the holiday season upon us, Wakarusa residents are called to participate in these community efforts, ensuring that everyone has a joyful and fulfilling Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for further updates on how these initiatives progress.

Editorial
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Editorial

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