The wrapping of hundreds of gifts for needy Christmas Friends recipients begins this week, and more volunteers are needed to join in the fun. There is also an urgent need for about five more shoppers to fill the wish lists of several children and senior adults.
Volunteers also can sign up online for wrapping. Go to ChristmasFriends.org and click the link for volunteer wrappers. Be sure to leave your contact information in case a wrapping session needs to be rescheduled!
Once the wrapping is completed, a major delivery operation is scheduled shortly before Christmas — this year on Saturday, Dec. 16. A total of 13 vehicles will spread out across the county to distribute approximately 260 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. 16. 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 call or email Longest 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. Deliveries begin at 9 a.m. and are usually completed well before noon.
