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2011 was another memorable and exciting year.  Our year-round committees worked hard to prepare to serve families.  The Fundraising Committee organized a spaghetti dinner at the Bedford Moose Lodge in March, a yard sale at the Moose Lodge in May, a meal at Ruby Tuesday’s Restaurant in October, and the sale of a beautiful Christmas card designed by Beulah Witt in November and December.  The Eligibility Committee met to revise forms, review policies and schedule dates to screen applications; eight screening dates were held in October and November and a record 325 families were accepted to choose gift items at the Christmas Station.  The Community Liaison Committee arranged for us to host a Lenten Luncheon at Main Street United Methodist Church in April, and participate in the ElderFest at the Bedford Moose Lodge in May.  This committee also made sure collection boxes were distributed to schools and businesses in October and November.  The Public Relations Committee submitted articles to local newspapers and publicized our fundraisers, screening dates and special events.  The Goods Committee organized a purchasing trip in March to take advantage of clearance sales, plus several more purchasing trips in November after we had received the applications and we knew what sizes clothing we needed and what toys and gift items the children were requesting.  Then the Goods Committee made sure the clothing, toys, and gift items were displayed in each department in an attractive and accessible manner.  The Food Committee worked all year to gather enough toothbrushes and toothpaste to give one to every member of every household we served.  They also distributed food that would go out-of-date before we served families in December.  When December rolled around, they worked tirelessly to fill 325 food boxes and sort the remaining items on shelves in the food department.  
The Volunteer Director made hundreds of phone calls to ensure that we had enough volunteers to set up the Christmas Station and serve families on December 9, 10, and 11.

The outpouring of support from the community was as overwhelming as ever.  Hundreds of individuals, businesses, organizations, churches, and schools donated food, gift items, funds, and time to support our mission of sharing Christmas joy with all low-income households.  In particular, I would like to mention James Wade, who donated 58 bikes; Dewey Gunnoe, who donated 325 hams for the food boxes; Earl Childers, who donated funds to purchase green beans, yams and other food items for all of the food boxes; Greater Lynchburg Community Trust awarded a very generous grant of $6,400; Liberty Cowboy Church hosted an awesome Cowbell Service in November that raised almost $2,000 for our program.  And special mention must be given to Isabel Mitchell, who had a birthday party and asked her guests to bring a gift for the Christmas Station!!!!  For a complete list of donors, please see our donor page.

When December 9th arrived, we once again witnessed God at work.  Our volunteers were warm, friendly, helpful and enthusiastic.  The families we served were grateful, gracious, and endearing.  There were many tears of joy and there were countless hugs.   115 bikes as well as overloaded carts full of clothing, toys, household items, used coats & shoes, food & cleaning items & personal care products & paper products were pushed through the front doors to go home with happy families.  That is what it’s all about!!
May 2012 bring you blessings and joy!
Karen Hughes, Board President