THE ADOPTIVE Santa was in the middle of a holiday tradition, joining others in her office to shop for a needy child who otherwise wouldn't get Christmas gifts.
The group of office mates picked out several toys and other items for the 10-year-old adopted through the "Letters to Santa" program.
But they also made sure to pick up the one thing specifically requested in the youngster's Christmas list: a toaster for the youngster's elderly grandmother.
Fulfilling the selfless request with the purchase of a shiny new toaster was a highlight for all those involved.
Starting this week, people in the region who enjoy "adopting" or contributing Christmas gifts for others--from needy youngsters to the elderly and infirm--will have chances to help through many existing programs and charities.
One of the larger and longest-running programs is the "Letters to Santa" drive run by the American Red Cross Rappahannock Area Chapter.
Cindy Brown, who coordinates the holiday program, noted that some 700 children are on the list open for adoptions starting Thursday.
"There are some real heart-wrenching letters again this year, including one from a child who wishes for her mother's safety as she serves for the Navy in Iraq," she said. "How do we grant that wish?"
Kristen Taylor, volunteer coordinator for the local Red Cross office, said the program will operate as it has for years, with qualifying families submitting a list of toys and clothes youngsters would like to find under the tree.
"Video games are big, Bob the Builder, Strawberry Shortcake and Dora the Explorer," said Taylor. "Those are the favorites."
Would-be Santas can adopt a child by visiting the Red Cross office on Tidewater Trail, just under a mile past Shannon Airport.
The "Adoptive Days" begin Thursday and run on weekdays until next Wednesday, with the office also open Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
For more details or to request an adoption by phone or fax, call 540/373-5176.
Angel trees comingOne of the other large regional holiday programs is run by the Salvation Army. Its workers qualify needy youngsters, the elderly and disabled and post their names and needs on tags mounted on "Angel Trees" at local stores and shopping centers.
Shoppers take a tag, shop for the individual and return gifts for distribution.
Capt. Christine Harris of the local Salvation Army office said some 3,300 names are ready to go up on the local Angel trees in the next week or so.
"Of those, some 2,200 are youngsters," she noted. "The rest are the disabled and seniors."
Harris said that Angel trees will soon appear at Spotsylvania Mall, BJ's Wholesale Club and Wal-Mart stores in the region.
Although this year's total is about the same as last year's, she noted that last Christmas several hundred names of needy children and others were never taken.
"With that in mind, we're asking people or groups that have a good bit of money to spend to think about spending a little less per child and taking an additional name or two," she said. "We do something for those names left on the tree, but our funds are limited."
For more details or to find out about other ways to help, call 540/373-3431.
More ways to helpSERVE, a community-based organization in Stafford County, also strives to keep needy in the region from doing without at Christmas.
Barbara Fretwell, SERVE's executive director, said she expects to provide toys and other gifts for many more than the 550 youngsters reached last year.
The group relies on local residents and merchants to buy and donate gifts for children, from tots to older kids, creating a toy store of sorts where parents come in and "shop" for their youngsters.
"Aside from gift cards from places like Giant or Wal-Mart, a critical need this year is a place to set up the Christmas operation," said Fretwell. "If there's anyone out there with a large, gym-sized space we can use for the two weeks before Christmas and the two weeks after, let us know."
Without that space, she said SERVE workers will simply have to assemble gifts for the youngsters, eliminating the parental involvement.
To help SERVE, call 540/288-9603.
To reach ROB HEDELT:
Email: rhedelt@freelancestar.com
As in years past, local social services departments are also running programs to help families they assist with Christmas gifts. In Stafford County, more than 1,800 families will receive help. Coordinator Danalu Kerr said there are still hundreds of children and families who need adopting. Call 540/658-8730. In Spotsylvania County, more than 800 families will receive assistance; some 300 are still waiting to be adopted. Call coordinator Stephanie Jarnagin at 540/507-7896. In Fredericksburg, a holiday assistance program will serve several hundred residents. Call Lisa Mizell at 540/372-1032. In King George County, officials are looking for donations to handle any unmet needs. Call 540/775-3544. In Caroline County, a hundred or so families will be helped. Coordinator Doretta Hickman said there is a desperate need for donors this year. Call 804/633-5071, ext. 109. |