MASON CITY — After a year off, the Christmas Cheer Fund program is back. The program started back in 1927 by Globe Gazette publisher Lee Loomis was not sponsored by the newspaper for the first time last year, and has been revived by a new board for the 2024 Christmas season.
Board vice president Ozzie Ohl says the program takes applications from individuals and families that truly need some help in an effort to make their holiday season brighter. “They might be down and out, they could be struggling financially, they could be wondering how I am I going to get that present for my little girl or my son. That’s the situation. It’s for those who are really struggling. There’s a place in there to tell your story of why you could use some help. I want to remind the deadline for applying is December 6th.”
Ohl says applicants approved for the Cheer Fund receive gift cards. “There will be Target gift cards that we are going to send them. They are in denominations of either $35, $70 or $100, and it all depends on the need and their family size.”
Ohl says this year’s goal is $100,000 to raise for the program. You can send donations directly to Christmas Cheer Fund, PO Box 28 in Mason City with a zip code of 50402.
Click here to visit the Christmas Cheer Fund’s website
Click here to visit the Christmas Cheer Fund’s Facebook page
Watch our interview with Ozzie Ohl below
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