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 “Wrapping Schedule” bar to see the times available.
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 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 scheduled to ensure ample space for a maximum of five wrappers on weekdays, except on Wednesdays, at the Sentinel office. Morning sessions are from 9 a.m to noon and afternoon sessions are from 1 to 4 p.m. Evening sessions can be arranged.
Christmas Friends Inc. has served needy children and disabled or low-income elderly of Middlesex, all referred by the Department of Social Services, for 37 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. 17. 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 vehicles are still needed on Dec. 17. 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 pickup trucks are also suitable in dry weather.
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, P.O. 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. 29 total $9,460.
In memory of Phil by Joy Crowder, $100.
Patricia Parsley, $50.
Dale Sprenkel, $100.
In loving memory of John Lemons from Billy, Blair, Palmer, Sophie and Peyton Curdts, $100.
Patricia Marchant, $100.
David and Jane Lowman, $300.
In memory of my wife, Ann, and my son, Stephen, by Tony Robusto, $100.
In loving memory of my precious wife, Judith Ford Campbell Eley, $3,000.
In memory of our loved ones by Jim and Jean Hill, $100.
In loving memory of my brother, Jimmie, and my sister, Betty, by Jean Hill, $100.
In memory of my parents, Deward C. and Ruby H. Apsley, by Lloyd C. Apsley, $300.
In memory of my brother, John P. Apsley, by Lloyd C. Apsley, $100.
Clark and Catherine Henley, $300.
Carolyn and Bob Boxley, $200.
Anonymous, $100.
Anonymous, $700.
Russ and Pat Russell, $500.
In appreciation for our good fortune to live in Middlesex County by Mary Wakefield and Joseph T. “Chip” Buxton III, $200.
Lawrence Mauck, $500.
Randolph and Sabrina Latimore, $100.
Middle Peninsula Security Center, $75.
Total this week: $7,125.
Previous total: $2,335.
