APPLICATIONS OPEN NOVEMBER 1, 2026. DONATION GOAL IS $100,000.

The Cheer Fund, a 301 (3)(C) nonprofit has been adding holiday joy to our North Iowa neighbors in need since 1927.

Applications are accepted from November 1 through Decemember 6 and must be submitted on our website, christmascheerfund.org

Donations are accepted on the website, christmascheerfund.org, and may be made through credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Donations may also be mailed to Christmas Cheer Fund, Box 28, Mason City, IA 50402.

In 2024, a new volunteer board of directors took on the challenge of continuing its mission after its affiliation with the Globe Gazette ended after 95 years.

The Cheer Fund serves seven North Iowa counties – Cerro Gordo, Worth, Winnebago, Hancock, Franklin, Floyd, and Mitchell. In 2025, a total of 1,581 households were helped in 7 regional counties. Those households included 2,559 dependents under the age of 18.

The goal again this year is $100,000. Generous North Iowa individuals, families, businesses, and foundations helped us to raise $85,000 last year, a little short of our goal. We hope to meet or beat our goal this year with your help!

Applications for Cheer Fund gift cards are reviewed by board officers. The gift cards are of various denominations depending on family size and number of children. The Cheer Fund has worked with Target for many years as it offers a volume discount and has a system to red flag inappropriate purchases.

Those who like our Facebook page Christmas Cheer Fund Inc. will receive news of fundraisers, promotions, and updates on the campaign. Donors may note gifts in memory of loved ones or friends or add a message of holiday cheer. All donations and brief notes are published on our Facebook and website pages. The Globe Gazette will also publish donor information and updates.

Our 2026 board members are Jane Reynolds, president, Clear Lake; Lauren Heuberger, vice president, Sheffield; Rosann Boyle, secretary-treasurer, Mason City; Amy Fleming and Karen Jacobs, both of Mason City. We have a student representative on the 2026 board. Her name is Anya Frenchick from Mason City High School. She will be organizing fundraisers at her school and promote the Cheer Fund to a new generation of North Iowans.

Thank you for considering the Christmas Cheer Fund in your charitable giving this holiday season.