From collectibles to food, We Care has something for you. And now the organization, which helps make Christmas brighter for the area needy, has something for your garage, too.

What We Care does

We Care disburses its funds to the Kokomo Rescue Mission, The Salvation Army, the Kokomo Tribune-sponsored Goodfellows, Bona Vista Rehabilitative Services, the Mental Health America of Howard County’s Holiday Gift Lift program, and the We Care Hope Fund for long-term gifting, according to the group’s Web site. These organizations provide food, toys and clothing for the less fortunate.

The 35th Annual We Care Telethon will be at WWKI, 519 N. Main St., Dec. 7, 8 and 9. One of the items on the auction block will be a 1951 Buick, restored by Rusty Nuts Car Club and donated to We Care. Club president Ron Schmitt said he presented the vehicle’s keys to WWKI personality and We Care Board of Directors President Charlie Cropper recently; the auto is now on display at the Kokomo Mall.

“We’re hoping to get a lot of public interest in their car,” Schmitt said, hoping the display will keep We Care in the public eye and maybe inspire a bidding war on the restored vehicle during the upcoming auction.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed” the restored car will bring in good money, Cropper said.

In a separate matter, Cropper said those wishing to donate items to the upcoming auction may call the radio station at (765) 459-4191. A pickup crew will be available.

The We Care Store is also now open at the Kokomo Mall from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. We Care Treasurer Jackie May said more than 700 recipes are in a cookbook containing submissions from We Care aficionados. The book sells for $20.

Alice Durham put the book together, which contains illustrations from local artist Patti Host, and recipes in categories such as desserts, main courses, salads, and appetizers. The store can be reached at (765) 457-0401. Potato chips and snack items also will be available at the store.

New We Care paperweights, ornaments, puzzles, and stuffed bear will be among other items lining store’s shelves.

Memorable We Care dates

• Through Nov. 30 — Culvers on U.S. 31 South is accepting donations for We Care. 

• Nov. 11 — We Care Trim-A-Tree Festival Auction begins at 4:45 p.m. in the Kokomo Mall.

• Nov. 16 — We Care Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. in Oakbrook Community Church.

• Nov. 19 — We Care Roast Pork Fest at the Grotto, U.S. 31 North in Kokomo.

• Nov. 22 — Opening night for the Christmas light display at Wyant’s We Care Park at 6 p.m.

• Nov. 24 — Blasius’ We Care Christmas Tree House opens, now through Dec. 31.

• Dec. 2 — Benefit day for We Care at the Kokomo Eagles.

• Dec. 6 —Johnson’s Tavern Auction for We Care.

• Dec. 7, 8, and 9 — 35th Annual We Care Telethon at WWKI, 519 N. Main St.  

• Dec. 16 — We Care Wrap-Up Auction at Johanning Civic Center.

• Dec. 19 — We Care check presentation day at 9:30 a.m. on WWKI’s Male Call program.