A season of giving

For many of us, the Christmas season is one of joy and celebration. We exchange gifts and delight in the joy our presents bring.
But while we celebrate, many here in our community only know disappointment during the holiday season because they struggle for food and shelter and can barely afford to even consider the delights of special presents.
Christmas is the season of giving. Let us not become so caught up in giving to our friends and families that we overlook the basic needs of those in our community.
Many local churches and civic organizations make special efforts during the Christmas season to guarantee that the needy in our community are not forgotten during the holidays.
In addition to local ecumenical efforts, the Orange Harley Owner’s Group sponsors the annual Orange County Children’s Toy Box which brings “Santa Claus” to more than 350 children throughout the community.
They are currently in need of cash donations and new toys. (Due to large numbers, they are unable to accept used toys at this time.)
To make a monetary donation, make your check payable to Orange County Children’s Toy box. You may mail your check to Donna Waugh-Robinson at Waugh Enterprises, 385 Waugh Blvd., Orange, VA 22960. The Orange County Children’s Toy Box program is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization; so, your monetary donation is tax-deductible.
Donations of new toys may be brought to the following retail locations: Waugh Enterprises Harley-Davidson, Virginia National Bank, Orange Chiropractic Center, Park View Apartments, all Orange County Dollar General stores, Farm Credit, Wayne Modena’s State Farm, and Dulin Furniture in Mine Run. Many non-retail employers are doing collections as well, so be sure to ask at work. The Orange County Children’s Toy Box will accept donations until Fri., Dec. 19 for this year’s campaign. Donations made after this date will be applied to the 2009 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Love Outreach Food Pantry is another worthwhile local organization that also needs help this time of year. Servicing approximately 300 needy families throughout the community, the food pantry relies on contributions of food and funds from local churches and citizens. Love Outreach provides between three and seven days worth of food for needy local families.
Checks should be payable to Love Outreach Food Pantry Inc., P.O. Box 788, Orange, VA 22960-0461. It is a 501(c) 3, non-profit, tax-deductible agency.
While these organizations prepare to meet the holiday needs of many in our community, our friends at Orange County Social Services are matching up needy families with those throughout our community who have a true holiday spirit.
Social services helps adopt out a number of needy families to local churches, clubs, businesses and individuals. Unfortunately, this year, the numbers of those in need are on the rise. To adopt a needy family this holiday season, call 672-1155.
Christmas is supposed to be a joyous season. Let us, as a community, share our good fortune with each other this holiday season so that we may all know joy.