By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The city of Hoisington has found a way to brighten a neighbor’s home for the holidays. Beginning Dec. 1, the City Hall Christmas will be decorated with gingerbread houses. Much like an angel tree, residents can pick one of the gingerbread houses that represents another resident who needs assistance with their city utility bill. Crystal Lillard, deputy clerk for the city of Hoisington, got the idea from the city of Kingman.
“They’ve been doing it for a few years, so I’ve been talking with them so we can get some up to do it in our community as well,” Lillard said. “They have had around 15 angels on their tree in the last few years. They said all of them end up with their bills paid. Hopefully, our community is as generous as I believe they are, and they will help some of their neighbors out.”
Donations will be accepted through Dec. 31, or until all the houses have been selected. Residents may donate any amount up to the outstanding balance on the listed utility account. Residents may also call City Hall to make a donation over the phone, and city staff will selected a gingerbread house on their behalf. Both donors and recipients will remain anonymous.
“They can sign up with the QR code, or we have paper applications here in the office,” Lillard said. “The Hoisington Food Bank is also going to have paper applications. As far as donations go, those will start Dec. 1. We’ll have the gingerbread houses on the tree for them to choose from.”
Applications for gingerbread houses began on Nov. 10 and will run through Dec. 18. Those who receive gifts towards their account balances will receive a voucher stating: “A gift of that amount was made to your account by a generous neighbor.”
CLICK HERE to apply for a gingerbread house, or scan the QR code below.
