(Atlantic) The Atlantic Area Chamber’s Annual Scrooge Contest is back for November, continuing a tradition that began in 2002 when Eleanor Hoover founded the event. Since Hoover’s passing, Jackie Sampson and Karen Miller have overseen the contest, which has raised considerable donations for the Atlantic Food Pantry over the past 22 years.
Candidates collect cash and non-perishable food items for the pantry. This year’s contestants are Randy & Michelle Roy, Randy’s Computer; Graydon Schmidt, Schmidt Family Funeral Homes; Jeremiah Thompson, Landus & Atlantic Fire Department; and Ben Winford, New Life Church.
The contest runs from November 1 to November 26 at noon. The participant with the most points will be declared “Scrooge,” with all proceeds supporting the Atlantic Food Pantry. Points are awarded based on donations: each dollar raised counts as five points, and each non-perishable item adds one point. The winning “Scrooge” will also serve as the Grand Marshal for the Lighted Parade on December 7 at 6 p.m. in Downtown Atlantic.
The pantry encourages donations of specific food items and is particularly seeking monetary contributions to help purchase items like meat and refrigerated goods. Donations can be made by bringing food or funds to the contestants’ drop-off locations.
The list of needed food items includes:
- Cream of Chicken/Mushroom Soup
- Tomato/Chicken Noodle Soup
- Ramen Noodles
- Hamburger Helper
- Canned Beef Ravioli/Spaghetti O’s
- Instant Sides (Packages) – Pasta, Sauce or Potato
- Boxed Cereal
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- Saltine Crackers
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Tuna/Chicken
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Canned Vegetables
- 18 oz. Creamy Peanut Butter
- Quick Oats (no milk needed)
- Pancake/Waffle Mix (no milk needed)
- Pancake/Waffle Syrup
- Boxed Noodles
- Pasta Sauce
- Chili Beans
- Diced Tomatoes
- Canned Manwich or Sloppy Joe
For more details, call the Chamber at 712-243-3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com.
(Photo left to right: Graydon Schmidt, Randy & Michelle Roy, Jeremiah Thompsen, and Ben Winford)
