The busy pace for Christmas Friends that began in early November came to a happy end Saturday with the delivery of gifts to 213 needy children and 71 senior adults in Middlesex County.
Volunteers in vans and trucks carrying the 284 bags spread out in 12 delivery areas throughout the county. Another group of volunteers with a large van carried bicycles, and other items too large for bags, from one end of the county to the other.
Ten bags were returned because the recipients were not at home. They were taken to the Middlesex Department of Social Services at Cooks Corner for pick up.
Christmas Friends is sponsored by the Southside Sentinel and the social services department, which screens and refers all recipients. This is the 37th year for the program.
The Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department again played an important role in the delivery process. The large bays at the Urbanna firehouse are loaned to Christmas Friends Friday afternoon and Saturday morning so the hundreds of bags can be divided and sorted into delivery order.
“As usual, our gratitude goes to hundreds of donors, volunteer shoppers, wrappers, delivery folks, and others who support the program in a variety of ways,” said Christmas Friends President Fred Gaskins. “This community steps up every year to help brighten Christmas for the disadvantaged in our county.”
Planning now begins for next year.
Christmas Friends Inc. spent $31,640 for gifts this season, and donors have contributed $26,266 so far. Donations are accepted at any time during the year and will allow volunteers to get an early start when the 2023 shopping rolls around.
Monetary donations can be brought to the Southside 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. Checks should be made out to Christmas Friends Inc.
ChristmasFriends.org also contains a link for those who wish to donate funds through PayPal or a credit card.
Christmas Friends Inc. is a 501(c)3 corporation and donations are tax-deductible.
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 during the previous week include:
In honor of the Dew Sweepers and Poker Divas, $150.
In loving memory of Paula Mathews and Jean Hill by Robin and Steve Mathews, $100.
Anonymous, $150.
Kathryn Goyne, $200.
Brenda and Joe Oliva, $100.
In memory of Thomas Bland Norman given by Barbara and John M. Bareford Jr., $100.
In memory of Marden and John M. Bareford Sr. given by Barbara and John M. Bareford Jr., $100.
In memory of Fay N. Willaford given by Barbara and John M. Bareford Jr., $50.
Berean Class of Zoar Baptist Church, $100.
Gary and Deborah Cook, $100.
In memory of Paul Figg by Johnny and Cookie Fleet, $100.
In memory of Bette Miller by Johnny and Cookie Fleet, $100.
In memory of Ted Toth and Ed Starbird by Robin Starbird, $100.
Avis and Larry Bagby, $100.
Roger and Mandy on Victory Lane, $25.
In memory of Chic Silver by Bob and Susan Fitch, $100.
In memory of our grandson, Alec, by David and Betty Taylor, $100.
In honor of our grandchildren with much love, MaMaw and Paw Paw, $300.
In memory of Mae and Lewis Pierce, $350.
Robert Allen and Mary Jane Hammond, $100.
Buzz and Fran Brown, $307.
In memory of John Gayle and Frances Anderton, $100.
In honor of Christchurch Students by Rev. and Mrs. Phipps, $50.
In memory of Decker Bristow by Phyllis Bristow, $200.
Middlesex Kiwanis Foundation, $750.
In honor of Libby Allen and Janie Allen. Much love, Gigi Durrill, $100.
Wayne and Betty Bray, $100.
In memory of Cynthia Barlowe by her family, $100.
All Saints Anglican Church, $300.
Total this week: $4,532.
Previous total: $21,734.
Total to date: $26,266.
