It’s Select A Gift time in Custer County

The Select A Gift Christmas program has made Christmas special for many, many families from the Custer area for over 30  years. Volunteer  ask you to help them continue to spread holiday joy as they launch the 2021 Select A Gift giving season.  
Changes were made to the program last year due to the pandemic, and volunteers received many positive comments from gift recipients. Under the new program, adult gift recipients can choose a $25 gift card and children can request a specific gift up to a $25 value.
The program also added families in Buffalo Gap to the program last year, benefitting 23 families (59 people) there. Custer numbers increased as well. All told, there were 414 gifts provided to 159 families, more than doubling the numbers from 2019. Organizers say they are expecting similar numbers this year and again need the community’s help.
The goal of the Select A Gift committee members is to raise at least $11,000 by Dec. 1. Mail checks (made out to Custer Ministerial Alliance with “select a gift” in the memo) to Select A Gift, PO Box 366, Custer, SD, 57730.
You may also donate at the following locations: Custer Area Chamber of Commerce, Highmark Federal Credit Union, First Interstate Bank and Dacotah Bank. Just place your cash or check (made out to “Custer Ministerial Alliance”) in one of the envelopes provided then drop in the secure red lock box.
The following churches will also have drop boxes available before and after services: Custer Lutheran Fellowship, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Custer Community Church and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
The Select A Gift committee will purchase all gifts and gift cards by Dec. 15.  They will then sort, wrap (with the help of dedicated volunteers) and organize prior to the Community Christmas event Dec. 18. Both the food baskets and family gifts may be picked up at Custer Lutheran Fellowship between 10 a.m. and noon that day.
If you are a Custer County resident or know of an individual or family who could use some help this Christmas call Donna at 605-440-0518 or inquire at The Storehouse to find out about qualifying for this program.