The Esther Crumbley Fund Board of Directors has launched its annual charitable event with the recent mailing of letters of appeal for the Christmas dinner for Wetzel County’s needy.

This year, food for as many as 450 dinners will be prepared, provided the necessary donation of about $10,000 is received. Cash will be needed to purchase chickens, canned fruits and vegetables, and other necessities for a holiday meal.

Distribution also will feature Christmas trees, wreaths, decorations, Secret Santa gifts for the children, and new books through the New Martinsville Public Library. Sign-ups for food and children’s gifts will be directed by Pam Billeter of Catholic Charities West Virginia.

Ephram Wade, chairman, suggests donations of $25 per family, but emphasized that any donation, large or small, is welcomed. Churches, parishioners, and other individuals, as well as the business and professional communities are asked to give generously as they have in the past.

The Esther Crumbley Fund was established in 1982 and is being operated by the New Martinsville Ministerial Association and other members of the religious and business communities. The fund’s founder, now deceased, believed it is the duty of those more fortunate to provide for the needy, as Jesus Christ instructed his followers, and especially at Christmas time.

The food, toys, and other gifts will be collected and set up at Klug Hall, 21 Rosary Rd., New Martinsville, on Dec. 22, beginning at 6 p.m. Distribution will begin Dec. 23 from Klug Hall.

In addition to Wade, members of the board of directors are: Elise McIntire, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, vice chairman; Barbara Powell, New Martinsville United Methodist Church, Colleen Rush and Ellen Spencer, St. Vincent de Paul Church, all tri-secretaries; Joe Powell, NMUMC, publicity; New Martinsville Ministerial Association, treasurer; Pam Billeter, volunteer coordinator; Mildred Peterson, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Rev. Don Biram, First Baptist Church; Margaret Fox, Sam Stewart, and Babs Stewart, NMUMC.

Contributions may be given to any board member or mailed to the New Martinsville Ministerial Association, Esther Crumbley Fund, PO Box 75, New Martinsville, WV 26155. Checks should be endorsed to NMMA, Esther Crumbley Fund.