BLANCHESER – The Glen Thompson Memorial Fund is proud to announce that they will be celebrating 40 years of making the holidays brighter for those in need. It was started in 1976 by then-mayor of Blanchester Madalyn Loftin in the basement of her family home and food was provided to five families the first year. It now serves between 120 and 140 needy families every year.

This year’s campaign kicked off Nov. 1, and forms for help with food will be taken until Dec. 2. The forms will be available at the following locations: Blanchester Community Food Pantry, Blanchester Municipal Building front desk, Blanchester Board of Public Affairs, and the Blanchester Public Library. Forms may be returned to the same locations.

About the fund

It was started in 1976 by Mayor Madalyn Loftin in memory of Chief Glen Thompson. Every year, Chief Thompson would provide food for Christmas dinner for a few very needy families. After his passing in early 1976, Mayor Loftin decided to continue the tradition. She remained in charge of the effort until her death in 2006.

The fund has remained a family tradition as Patti Loftin took her place. This effort is worked in very close cooperation with the Blanchester Rotary Club, who handles the finances. It is also done with help from Blanchester FFA, Blanchester Local School District, Blanchester-Marion Township Fire Department, and many countless volunteers.

All work on this fund is done by volunteers and all money collected goes to help those in need.

To learn more about the fund, please contact Patti Loftin at 937-783-3334 or 937-218-6654 or at [email protected].