Christmas Cheer!

Imagine the Christmas morning joy on the face of a child that illuminates a home that otherwise would be darkened by personal struggles and family hardships. This Christmas, more than 500 underpriviledged children in approximately 300 families in Patrick County will experience that joy and a holiday season brightened by the efforts of many Christmas Cheer volunteers and caring citizens of our community.

I wholeheartedly urge citizens throughout the county to support the current Patrick County Christmas Cheer campaign. If you would like to play a role in bringing a joyful Christmas to hundreds of appreciative youngsters and their families, please make donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts or make monetary contributions that will be used by Christmas Cheer volunteers to purchase presents and prepare Christmas boxes for those who are being served by the program. You may also select the name of a child from one of the Christmas Cheer trees located in the local business community, shop for the child whose name you select, and then return the new toys and gifts unwrapped to the business displaying the tree. Christmas Cheer trees are located in Stuart at the Curves Health and Fitness Center, Family Pharmacy, Rite-Aid, and Wal-Mart.

You may also drop off Christmas Cheer donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts and/or money at WHEO Radio, Stuart, or at the Patrick County Extension Service Office in the Patrick County Veteran's Memorial Building, Stuart. Monetary donations may be mailed to Patrick County Christmas Cheer, P.O. Box 222, Stuart, VA 24171. Please make you Christmas Cheer contributions by Dec. 12th. The Christmas packages will be delivered to families being served on Dec. 18th. These families have been notified by letter of their acceptance in this year's program through the Christmas Cheer screening process. Let's bring joy and brightness to their households!

Thanks for your support of this worthy cause that has become a heartwarming holiday tradition in Patrick County. Experience the joy of giving! Please assist Patrick County Christmas Cheer!

Holiday Cheers :O),
Richard