Joplin Elks Lodge carries on tradition of holiday giving

JOPLIN, Mo. — A decades-old tradition continues for a Joplin organization.

Charles Genisio says he's just one part of a decades-long tradition.

"I've done it for over 20 years, myself," said Charles Genisio, Joplin Elks Lodge.

Since 1944, members of the Joplin Elks Lodge spend the Saturday before Christmas making sure no one goes without.

"It's one of the greatest events of the year. It's the biggest charity event that the Elks have in Joplin," said Genisio.

This year's edition will see 235 families receiving baskets containing…

"Canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, ramen noodle soup, chicken noodle soup," said Nancy Bettasso, Joplin Elks Lodge.

Along with holiday dinner staples like ham - and even breakfast items like milk, cereal and eggs.

"Hopefully help them get through the holidays with extra food," said Bettasso.

The Elks are even providing toys for 345 kids 12 and younger.

Planning for the roughly four hours of delivery is a year-long process.

"In January we do a wrap-up meeting from the year before," said Bettasso.

That gives them an idea of what did and didn't work, and helps set a goal for the number of baskets that will be done the following year.

"And then we start in earnest in July doing our planning meetings," said Bettasso.

Those meetings help plan fundraisers and reaching out to partners, like Food 4 Less, to make sure the Elks can accomplish one goal...

"It brings joy to families," said Bettasso.

Genisio has six deliveries he's making today.

"We'll deliver those six and come back and see if they need more help," said Genisio.

But he says the hard work and cold temperatures are worth it, because it wouldn't be Christmas if he couldn't give back.

"I don't need anything, I don't want anything, but to give something to somebody else and see it change them for the day, or even more, that's what makes it worth it," said Genisio.