In search of elves: volunteers needed to carry on food bank Christmas cookies tradition

Published 10:39 am Friday, January 13, 2012

For several years now, Barbara Wheeler has been quietly giving what some people have said was the only Christmas gift they receive.

It’s not just an ordinary present – it’s a gift of home made cookies and candies she has personally and lovingly made and packaged in special tin boxes she collected from the Exchange and other sources all year long.

And it’s not just a few. Wheeler has delivered up to 70 at one time of these special gifts to the Orcas Food Bank so they may be given to food bank recipients during the Christmas season. Scott and Judy Whiting have been helping secure the necessary chocolate and cookie mixes.

“I know these special tins of cookies and candies have brought tears to some of our recipients’ eyes,” said food bank board vice president Joyce Shaw. “In some cases, it has been the only Christmas gift they receive.”

Wheeler does it for the simple reason that “it’s just a nice thing to do at Christmastime.” Her mother set the example of giving back to others when she was growing up. But she says, “I’m getting a little old for this, and it would be great if someone else could make it happen next year.”

Wheeler is hoping that she has created a gift that will “keep on giving,” and that others will carry on the Christmas cookie tin tradition long after she started the ball rolling.

Those who want to help carry on this tradition would need to start collecting tins now. When December rolls around, it will be time for a group “bake fest” to fill the tins and deliver them to the food bank.

“It would be nice to know that what I started will continue,” Wheeler says.

If you would like to carry on Barbara’s Christmas cookie tin tradition for the Food Bank, contact Maggie Kaplan at 376-5372.