LARNED — The people of Pawnee County put the July 4th bang into the “Christmas in July Food Drive.”  
The 2nd annual event collects canned and dry goods for the Fort Larned Lions Christmas Basket project. More than 900 items were donated and cash donations received more than $300, a 25 percent increase.
“We received very positive feedback for the project,” said Steven Lewis, Fort Larned Lions club member. “We were very pleased with the items we received. This will help us a lot when we get to the end of our project at Christmas.”
Lewis said the food drive was publicized through local media and on a local Facebook page. Fliers were passed out and Dillons passed out small cards.
“About one-third of the people are retirees and some are widows on fixed incomes,” Lewis said. “We’re doing our part to help some others out. The need for this type of help is growing.
Any donation of five items or more was rewarded with an American flag and desk stand.  
“The support given, both by donations or financially, was shown by the generous spirit of the people of our community,” said Lewis. “Our thanks goes out to all who took the time on a busy day to support others. By thinking of other and more importantly acting on the behalf of others, the people we met sent a powerful message of caring and support to those in need. Thanks to all.”