By CRISTINA JANNEY

Hays Post

ELLIS — The Ellis Food Box program is seeking applicants and donations for its annual Christmas gift and food give away program.

This is the 15th year for the Food Box program. It began with only five boxes, and last year served 130 families in Ellis USD 388.

Applications will be taken through Dec. 9. No proof of income is required. Simply call Leonard Schoenberger, program director, at 785-726-4917. Leave a message.

Please include your name, address, phone number and age and gender of the children in your family. Please also note if you are 65 years old or older.

Those wishing to donate may give food, a toy for either a child 12 and younger or 12 through 18 or monetary donations.

Monetary donations or unwrapped toys can be taken to Golden Belt Bank, 901 Washington St., Ellis, or Emprise Bank.

Checks can also be made out to Ellis Food Boxes and mailed to 808 Monroe, Ellis, KS 67637.

Food can be dropped off at the grocery store or donations can be made through participating local churches.

Food donations that are needed most are canned fruits and vegetables, soups and dry commodities. Please no flour or sugar.

Donations will be taken through Dec. 20 for delivery this year.

Ellis Food Boxes is affiliated with the Ellis Community Foundation, and donations are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Schoenberger. He can also be reached on his cell phone at 785-726-1278.