Select-A-Gift to launch with Nov. 4 benefit concert

Select-A-Gift is a community program that has made Christmas special for many families from the Custer area for decades, benefiting adults and children. The committee hopes you will continue to spread holiday joy as it launches the 2023 Select-A-Gift giving season.  
Last year there were over 500 gift cards and over 60 gifts provided to the members of 197 families in Custer County. That includes 26 families in Buffalo Gap, whose food pantry also distributed food baskets and gifts on the same day.
Thanks to donations, adults and teenagers will receive a $25 gift card. Children will receive a gift from “Santa’s Toyland” stocked with the toys from the toy drive Cabela’s is holding for the children we serve.
For many, this may be the only Christmas gift they receive. All of this is possible thanks to the generosity of Custer donors.
“We’re expecting a similar number of gift recipients this year and again, we need your help,” said Select-A-Gift Commttee member Juli Ames-Curtis.
The goal of the Select-A-Gift Committee is to raise at least $13,000 by Dec. 18.
To kick off this year’s giving season there will be a benefit concert at the Custer Beacon Nov. 4, starting at 5:30 p.m. (details in the ad displayed in the Custer County Chronicle this week.) Magician Phil Heckman will usher in the evening followed by music provided by String Tied and  Jimmy Ray & The Stingers. Your entry of a $10 donation (under 16 free) will register you for one of many door prizes.
The committee will accept credit cards.  To help us raise the needed funds, many businesses and individuals have donated items to bid on. If you don’t want to participate in the auction you can grab an envelope off the Select-A-Gift tree, enclose a donation and deposit it in the red donation box.  
You can also mail your check to Select-A-Gift, PO Box 366, Custer, SD, 57730 or donate starting Nov. 1 at the following locations: Custer Area Chamber of Commerce, Highmark Credit Union, First Interstate Bank, Dacotah Bank and Custer County building (second floor by planning office). Place your cash or check in one of the envelopes provided, then drop it in the secure red lock box. If donating by check, please 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, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
The Select-A-Gift committee will purchase all gifts and gift cards by Dec. 10.  It will then sort and organize prior to the Community Christmas event Dec. 16. 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.