(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber’s Annual Scrooge Contest is officially underway for the month of November! Established in 2002 by Eleanor Hoover, the friendly competition has become a beloved community tradition that turns holiday spirit into real support for local families. Following Hoover’s passing, Jackie Sampson and Karen Miller proudly took over coordinating duties in 2019, and more than two decades later, the contest continues to make a major impact.

Over the past 23 years, the Scrooge Contest has generated substantial monetary and canned good donations for the Atlantic Food Pantry. Kelsey Beschorner, Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, says “Each year, this contest reminds us just how strong the spirit of giving is in Atlantic. Our contestants and donors continue to inspire me. Raising nearly $27,000 and over 1,600 food items just last year to help meet the growing needs of our neighbors.”

This year’s 2025 Scrooge candidates are: Kristy & Dave York, Tanner Cisar, Hy-Vee, Derrick & Ruth Sears, and Krysta & BJ Hart.

This year’s 2025 Scrooge candidates are: Kristy & Dave York, Tanner Cisar, Hy-Vee, Derrick & Ruth Sears, and Krysta & BJ Hart. From November 1st through November 26th at noon, contestants will raise money and collect non-perishable food items to support the Atlantic Food Pantry. The contestant with the most points will earn the title of “Scrooge” and serve as Grand Marshal of the Lighted Parade on SATURDAY, December 6th at 6 PM in Downtown Atlantic.

Cash donations are worth five points per dollar, and each non-perishable food item counts as one point. The Atlantic Food Pantry is requesting a specific list of non-perishable items and is emphasizing monetary donations to help purchase perishable and high-demand goods like meat, dairy, and produce.

Most needed items include:

Canned soup (chicken noodle, tomato, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, vegetable beef)
Tuna or chicken (canned)
Peanut butter
Canned fruit (peaches, pears, applesauce, cocktail)
Canned vegetables (beans, corn, peas)
Beef ravioli or SpaghettiOs
Crackers (saltine)
Macaroni and cheese
“Complete” pancake & waffle mix (no milk required)
Pancake or waffle syrup
Spaghetti and pasta sauce
Manwich or Sloppy Joe cans

“The need right now,” Beschorner said “is greater than we’ve seen in years. More families are turning to the Food Pantry for help, and every dollar or can truly makes a difference. We’re so grateful to our contestants, volunteers, and everyone who contributes. This contest is proof of how Atlantic comes together when it matters most.”

Past Scrooge titles have been awarded to: Mary Ann Moorman (2007), Dana Halder (2008), Tammy Wise & Janet Huey (2009), Ritchie Anderson (2010), Janet Cappel (2011), Melanie Petty (2012), David Miller (2013), Mark McNees (2014), Ted Robinson (2015), Jon Johnson (2016), Rob Stamp (2017), Rob & Sonya Clausen (2018), Billie Hoover, Jackie Sampson & Lori Christianson (2019), Brian Ruge (2020), Ray Paulin (2021), Dr. Matt Weresh (2022), Sheryl Dusenberry (2023), and Graydon Schmidt (2024).

Community members can support the contest by donating food or funds to any contestant’s drop-off location, or by contributing through the Atlantic Food Pantry’s Venmo account and noting their selected Scrooge Team in the transaction line. For more information, contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017 or chamber@atlanticiowa.com. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.