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At the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, Kathy Constien (left) and Arlene Rager volunteer for the Salvation Army.
As part of the Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree program, Russell Gardner sorts |
NE OF the best parts of the annual Red Cross "Letters
"Someone will bring in the toy or the bike they've bought and the whole section will stop and take a look," said Sarah Lowther, coordinator for the company's participation. "Everyone gets to share in the excitement."
That excitement among the 3,000 or
Later this week, bags full of holiday toys and clothing will flow into the GEICO office, to be delivered to the Red Cross collection area at the Park & Shop Shopping Center.
That's just one of several programs that are shifting into high gear this week with holiday help for the needy, elderly and infirm
The Salvation Army last week sent out an urgent request for help in getting needy children and elderly "adopted" from the Angel Trees at area stores.
Last week, the local Salvation Army said that several hundred of the 3,300 names that had gone up on the trees remained.
This morning, Capt. Christine Harris of the Salvation Army said she didn't know exactly how many names were left. Some, especially those of seniors, aren't taken as quickly by adoptive Santas as children.
At this point, she said the Salvation Army would welcome direct donation
This morning, a bevy of volunteers was unpacking and organizing evidence of the area's giving spirit.
From books to food to toys to stockings put together by area churches and other groups, the Salvation Army's "Toyland" was coming together in two large buildings at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds.
Volunteers will use those items in the holiday assistance program to make sure all recipients have a merry Christmas.
Although there's an abundance of items already in the warehouses, Harris said there will be last-minute requests for help that continuing donations can help meet.
Especially needed this year are bicycles of all sizes.
At the Rappahannock Area Red Cross, coordinators of the "Letters to Santa" program said they have five children left who haven't yet been adopted.
Those interested in helping can call 540/373-5176 to help.
Kristen Taylor at the Red Cross office said that while getting those children adopted is paramount, the organization can also use last-minute donations of gifts and clothing for youngsters to help fill any gaps that turn up when donated gifts are reviewed.
In addition to those programs, SERVE, a community-based organization in Stafford County, needs donations of toys, gifts, money and other items to help the needy it will serve this Christmas season.
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 store where parents come in and "shop" for their youngsters.
To help SERVE, call 540/288-9603.
In addition, the social services departments for most localities also count on help from local donors to get children and families gifts, food and other holiday assistance.
Numbers for them and for other agencies that count on public help can be found on a list maintained by the Rappahannock United Way.
You can view it online at rappahannockunitedway.org or call the First Call for Help hot line at 540/371-5268.
To reach ROB HEDELT:
Email: rhedelt@freelancestar.com
