Select-A-Gift kicks off with concert

The Select-A-Gift program has made Christmas special for many, many families from the Custer area for over 35 years. You can help continue to spread holiday joy when the 2022 Select-A-Gift giving season is launched.
Last year 177 families, totaling 337 adults and 151 kids, received gifts. Adult gift recipients can choose a $25 gift card and children can request a specific gift up to a $25 value. For many, this may be the only Christmas gift they receive. All of this is possible thanks to the generosity of our Custer donors.
“We’re expecting a similar number of gift recipients this year and again, we need your help. The goal of the Select-A-Gift committee is to raise at least $12,000 by Dec. 3,” said Juli Ames Curtis of Select-A-Gift.
You can help kick off the giving season by attending a benefit concert at the Custer Beacon Nov. 5, starting at 5:30 p.m. (details in the poster displayed elsewhere in this issue). Music will be provided by Sister Moon, String Tied, David Lee Brown and quakequation. There will also be a silent auction featuring dozens of gift certificates and donated items, and a 50/50 raffle where you can walk away with half the cash. Or, you can simply grab an envelope off the Select-A-Gift tree, enclose a donation, and deposit it in the red donation box.  
Can’t make it to the Benefit concert? You can always mail your check to Select-A-Gift, PO Box 366, Custer, SD, 57730 or donate at the following locations: Custer Area Chamber of Commerce, Highmark Credit Union, First Interstate Bank and Dacotah Bank. Just place your cash or check in one of the envelopes provided, then drop it in the secure red lock box. If donating by check make it out to Custer Ministerial Alliance with Select-A-Gift in the memo space.
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, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and Crossroads Church.  
The Select-A-Gift committee will purchase all gifts and gift cards by Dec. 12. We’ll then sort, wrap (with the help of dedicated volunteers) and organize prior to the Community Christmas event Dec. 17.  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.