Spreading "Cheer" to Hundreds

Thanks to the generosity of many caring people in our community and the tireless efforts of a troupe of dedicated Christmas Cheer volunteers, Christmas will be much brighter this year for a total of 577 disadvantaged children (in 279 families) in Patrick County. The recipients...children ranging in age from newborn to 12 years old...were selected based on applications that were distributed through the Patrick County Department of Social Services and Patrick County Public Schools.

Distribution of the Christmas Cheer gifts to these children will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 18th. Each applicant will receive a letter regarding the exact date, time, and place of pick-up, said Brenda Strum, a spokesperson for Christmas Cheer. Gifts will not be wrapped or delivered. All unclaimed items will be distributed to other families, she added.

If you would like to support Christmas Cheer with a monetary donation, please make your check payable to Patrick County Christmas Cheer, PO Box 222, Stuart, VA 24171. Christmas Cheer will accept new, unwrapped toys along with new clothing with tags still attached. You may drop off your clothing and toy donations at the Patrick County Extension Office in the Patrick County Veteran's Memorial Building, Suite 316, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (office closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). Donations must be received by 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14. The Patrick County Extension Office is strictly a drop off point for new donations. Please do not call the office regarding information about your child's application, said Strum.

Thanks to the many businesses, individuals, and organizations in our community who have supported the 2007 Christmas Cheer campaign that will truly be a blessing to hundreds of Patrick County children whose Christmas might have been rather bleak otherwise. God will reward your generosity and assistance in this and other charitable projects that make our community a better place in which to live!

Merry Christmas!
Richard