MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The Marshfield Elks Lodge is preparing for its long-standing Christmas Basket Program, a tradition that has served the community for over 50 years. Each year, the lodge assembles and delivers 150 baskets filled with items for a complete holiday meal to families in need across the area.
The program relies on donations from the lodge’s 590 members—the second-largest Elks membership in Wisconsin—as well as funds raised through local business contributions and monthly steak feeds held in October, November, and December. On average, $7,500 is needed annually to fund the program.
Each Christmas basket includes a ham, stuffing, potatoes, apples, canned vegetables, and other staples to provide a holiday meal for local families. Volunteers gather on the Thursday before delivery at Festival Foods to pack the baskets in an assembly-line process. The event typically involves 20–30 volunteers, who work to ensure the boxes are ready for distribution.
Once packed, the baskets are loaded into a box truck provided by Ascendance Truck (formerly Mid-State Truck) and stored until Saturday morning.
On delivery day, 50–60 Elks members and volunteers meet at the lodge at 8:00 a.m. and fan out across Marshfield and nearby towns, including Auburndale, Spencer, Stratford, Colby, Pittsville, Vesper, Chili, and Granton. Each team delivers four to eight baskets, ensuring efficient distribution.
This year, 10 baskets were also provided to the PDC Orenda Center. Families receiving the baskets are nominated by school guidance counselors or teachers who identify those in need.
Past Exalted Ruler Nick McCauley has managed the Christmas Basket Program for over 15 years. His leadership, along with the efforts of Elks members and community volunteers, has been instrumental in the program’s continued success.
The Marshfield Elks encourage donations or attendance at their steak feeds to help fund the program. For more information, contact the lodge directly.
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at [email protected].
