Published: November 26, 2009 11:05 pm      

Somerset County Blind Center accepting orders for fruit baskets

SOMERSET — The Somerset County Blind Center is in the midst of its biggest fundraising event of the year – just in time for the Christmas season.

Its 12th annual holiday fruit basket sale is in full swing and orders can be placed now through Dec. 14.

“All the money from this sale goes back into Somerset County to provide services for the blind and visually impaired,” said Rob Stemple, the center’s executive director. “We service about 300 people in the county and provide transportation, low-vision aids and the education on how to use them, and mobility training.”

The baskets come in two sizes, regular for $15 and large for $20. Each wooden basket is filled with grapefruit, bananas, apples, pears and oranges from Cascio’s Fruit Market in Somerset. All baskets are gift-wrapped.

Orders will be ready for pickup Dec. 18 at the center. Limited delivery also is available.

“We have about 50 volunteers who come in on that day to build the baskets,” Stemple said. “All the fruit is fresh that morning.”

This year’s goal is to sell 1,200 baskets, and to date roughly 200 orders have been placed.

“The economy may help us because people are looking for practical gifts this holiday,” Stemple said. “People tend to wait until the last minute, so a lot of the orders come in within the last two weeks.”



Holiday help



What: Somerset County Blind Center’s 12th annual holiday fruit basket sale.

When: Baskets can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec 18 at the center, 748 S. Center Ave., Somerset.

How: Orders required by Dec. 14: Call 445-1310 or toll- free (866) 876-6550. Orders also can be placed by fax at

445-3184 or e-mail at rstemple@somersetblind.org.