Cheer Fund hosting chili cookoff tonight at Nexus Park, Kamp Out for Kids downtown

Today is a big day for the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund.

The oldest charity in Bartholomew County will be holding its Chili Cookoff this evening at Nexus Park and the Kampout for Kids toy and donations drive, organized by Indiana Country 101.5 WKKG, is going on downtown through tomorrow afternoon.

Lt. Allen Smith, spokesman for the Cheer Fund, explains.

The Cheer Fund has been operating since 1930. The effort provides Christmas gifts for the needy children of the community. It is funded entirely by donations and relies on community volunteers for its efforts.

One of its biggest annual events is the annual chili cookoff going on from 5 this afternoon at Nexus Park until the chili runs out.

Smith says for the first time since the pandemic the chili cookoff will be offering a sit down meal inside the former Fair Oaks Mall, as well as drive through pickup. You can make a free will donation to help out.

Kampout for Kids is going on now until 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Fire Station No. 1 at the corner of Washington and 11th streets downtown. We’ll be collecting donations of new toys and cash to help the firemen’s efforts.

Smith says that new toys are being accepted.

Click here for more information: https://wkkg.com/home-slider/kamp-out-for-kids