The Livingston Park Association (LPA) is in the midst of its busy time right now, and focusing on the holidays that take place at the end of the year. The organization is especially grateful for the outstanding support it receives from the community for the various projects it sponsors.

More than 100 children participated in the trunk or treat the LPA sponsored on Oct. 17. Businesses, organizations, individuals, the Livingston/Williamson Fire Department, Livingston Police Department, and the Village of Williamson offered treats for kids (and some parents!) who came out in costume. D.L. Miller Insurance Agency received the prize for the best decorated vehicle.

A fun addition to the trunk or treat was "Cram the Coffin," in which people could bring non-perishable food that will be incorporated into the holiday baskets for the community. The LPA very much appreciates the two coffins nearly full of food that were collected at this event. Monetary contributions were also given to support this year's trunk or treat from Lesicko Funeral Home, Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society, Bill and Fran Augustine, Bettejean Salter, Dave and Maureen Osterbuhr, Elaine Nordyke, and Mary Thomas.

The collection for the holiday baskets for the needy got off to an excellent start the month before when Bonnie and Klide's Place in Livingston hosted their third annual toy drive fund-raiser. The event on Sept. 18 netted a pool table full of toys for kids of all ages, and a considerable cash donation as well. This continuing support is greatly appreciated.

Food collection baskets are also out in various locations in Livingston, including Bonnie and Klide's Place, Livingston Grocery, Country Inn, and Martintoni's Auto Service. Contributions of unexpired food collected in these boxes will be incorporated into the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets in the Livingston/Williamson area. If you want to make a food contribution but cannot make it to the collection box, you can message the LPA directly on their Facebook page, or contact Cindy Scarsdale at 618-637-2879. They appreciate contributions which have already been received, such as from the Rob and Kim and Peterson family, and those that are currently "in the works" from groups like Staunton Cares. Monetary donations for the food baskets can also be mailed to the Livingston Park Association, P.O. Box 493, Livingston IL 62058.

Additionally, the LPA is currently collecting names of families and individuals who could benefit from a holiday basket this year. Recipients must live in Livingston, Williamson, or the Olive Fire Protection District. Children who are grade school age or younger are also adopted on the community Angel Tree, and receive gifts with the family's Christmas basket. Please message the LPA directly on their Facebook Page to get added to the list, or contact Cindy Scarsdale at 618-637-2879. Information provided should include the name of the individual or family, their address, number of people in the household, and ages and gender of children. A phone number is also needed.

Cram the Coffin The food contributions of Gene Coe help cover a skeleton at the "Cram the Coffin" activity at the LPA trunk or treat in October.

Finally, the LPA would also like to acknowledge those who have given recent contributions to the organization. Included on the list are memorials from Robert and Brenda McEnery for Dale Orban and Carol Pitts, Elisabeth and John Moore for Mike Best, Bonnie and John Trettenaro for John Lotter, and several individuals in memory of Charles Royer. Bob and Gloria Blechle have also given a gift to support this year's holiday baskets, and the LPA is benefitting from matching funding from Thrivent Financial.