The largest Adopt-A-Child project in recent memory concluded Tuesday with gifts doled out to more than 280 area children in need.
Organizers Barbie Daugharthy and Teresa Gribble oversaw the distribution at Iola’s First Baptist Church.
“Everybody really stepped up and made it happen,” Daugharthy said.
A flurry of last-minute donations — in the form of gifts or money — allowed organizers to fill the wish lists of every child who was enrolled.
Enough money was donated that Daugharthy, Gribble and Cheryl Sparks were able to purchase gifts for the remaining 70 children who had not been “adopted” by other
donors.
“We had enough money, but we definitely need more for next year,” Daugharthy said.
The 282 children came from 132 area families, Daugharthy said.
Three Iola High School FFA members, Kayla Knavel, John Hutton and Garrett Donovan assisted with Tuesday’s distribution effort.
Other members of the public showed up in recent days to wrap all of the gifts.
