Antioch Lions Club fills empty holiday

The Christmas food baskets were moving quickly Saturday, as Antioch Lions Club members distributed 76 boxes with all the fixings for a holiday dinner to local families in need.

The Lions Club has been doing this project for decades, said Richard Kufalk, chairman of the holiday baskets project.

And it's clear that the need is increasing, he said.

"We do this at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we're up about 20 percent this year," Kufalk said. "There is great need this year."

Turkey, dinner rolls, stuffing, onions and cupcakes will be on the menu for those who received the baskets. The boxes also contained canned goods, eggs and fruit.

While some residents picked up their baskets at the Antioch Rescue Squad, Lions Club members delivered the majority.

Village Trustee Robert McCarty delivered 43 boxes to seniors at the Oakridge Village Apartments.

"We show up and get all the happy comments and thanks. It's great," he said. "We share all this with the membership."

The Lions have fundraisers during the year and then give back directly to the community, Kufalk said. The group also coordinates its efforts with the Rotary Club, Antioch Township, the assessor's office, schools and individuals.

Antioch Fire Chief Dennis Volling has spent 15 years on the committee.

"We help kids have a nice Christmas and Thanksgiving. Seeing their eyes light up is enough reward for me," he said.