For many charitable organizations, basket bingo has become a popular way for raising funds. “It's just a good money-maker, and everybody enjoys it,” Patty Chapman, vice president of the Gas City Historical Society said.

In order to attract bigger crowds, the organizations are using Longaberger baskets instead of generic brand ones. “The ladies love them,” Jo Ann Frame, board member of Grant County Care and Share, explained.

Basket bingo is played as regular bingo but instead of cash prizes, players receive baskets. They can be as expensive as $200 but according to the organizers, they usually have an attendance of about 100 people and recover the money they spent on the baskets.

“Our group made about $1,500 on the event that will support the Care and Share efforts to feed the needy during the Christmas holiday,” Ms. Frame said.