Website has wrapping schedule, way to make electronic donations
The wrapping of hundreds of gifts for needy Christmas Friends recipients began this week, and more volunteers are needed to join in the fun. Go to ChristmasFriends.org and click on the red “Wrap some gifts” bar to see the schedule.
If you are able to help, please call as soon as possible so the schedule can be updated. The link on ChristmasFriends.org includes instructions on emailing or calling coordinators at the Southside Sentinel, which cosponsors the holiday charity with the Middlesex Department of Social Services.
Wrapping sessions are being expanded this year to ensure social distancing space for a maximum of five wrappers. Instead of only weekend sessions as in the past, volunteers are now able to wrap on most weekdays at the Sentinel office.
Christmas Friends Inc. has served needy children and disabled or low-income elderly of Middlesex, all referred by the Department of Social Services, for 35 years now. It is unique in that each client submits a “wish list” of toys, clothing sizes, etc. to be used by volunteer shoppers who purchase the gifts using funds donated by generous community members and organizations.
Once the wrapping is completed, a major delivery operation is scheduled shortly before Christmas — this year on Saturday, Dec. 19. A total of 13 vehicles will spread out across the county to distribute approximately 300 gift bags.
Between the shopping, wrapping and delivery, hundreds of volunteers participate in Christmas Friends every year.
Some delivery vans or trucks are still needed.
The ideal van is a Chrysler or Dodge with stowaway rear seats, or similar size vans with seats that can be completely removed. “Full size” SUVs (such as a Chevy Suburban) have also been used successfully. Most regular size SUVs do not have enough space for all the bags.
Full size pick-up trucks with camper shells are also suitable.
Please contact Sentinel office manager Geanie Longest at 804-758-2328, ext. 101, or email her at glongest@ssentinel.com if you have a large vehicle capable of holding approximately 25 “contractor” size bags of gifts and are willing to be its driver for one of the delivery routes.
ChristmasFriends.org also contains a link for those who wish to donate funds through PayPal or a credit card. Donations can also be brought to the Sentinel office at 276 Virginia St. in Urbanna or mailed to Christmas Friends Inc., c/o Southside Sentinel, PO Box 549, Urbanna, VA 23175.
Monetary contributors are recognized as Christmas Friends and their donations are listed weekly in the Sentinel. Contributors who wish to remain anonymous should request that their donations be listed as such. Memorial contributions also will be acknowledged.
Donations received through Nov. 25 total $9,391.
Donations this week total $4,450.
Donations include:
- Phil and Joy Crowder, $100.
- In memory of Charles Healy by Anita Healy, $100.
- In memory of Uvonne Warner by Glenn Warner, $250.
- In memory of William H. and Louise M. Milby and Arthur J. Shaver, $200.
- In memory of Anne W. Milby and Vivian S. Milby, $200.
- Michelle and Claiborne Irby, $100.
- In memory of Ann and Stephen Robusto by Tony Robusto, $100.
- In memory of Jason Haley by Rob and Shannon, $100.
- Anonymous, $100.
- In loving memory of our brother, Jimmie Rector by Betty Miller and Jean Hill, $100.
- In memory of Ruby Ann by her grandparents, $100.
- In loving memory of our parents by Jim and Jean Hill, $50.
- Carolyn and Bob Boxley, $200.
- Jerome and Elizabeth Lester, $100.
- The Episcopal Church Women of Christ Church Parish, $200.
- In memory of grandson, Justin Wyatt from Bernice and Kenny Wyatt, $50.
- Dale Sprenkel, $100.
- Betsy Liljeberg, $100.
- In memory of John Lemons from Blair, Billy and the Curdts Crew, $100.
- Robin Mathews, $150.
- Susan and Dave Prugh, $250.
- Russ and Pat Russell, $200.
- Trinity Lutheran Church, $1,500.
