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December 2009 brought more inspiring stories and memorable moments at the Christmas Station.  I will admit that I was feeling just a little nervous when I realized that we were scheduled to serve 10% more families than last year, with 33% fewer donations.  However, as always, the community of Bedford came through and provided everything that was needed to serve 291 low-income families.
It was a joy to work with many returning, “veteran”, volunteers as well as many fresh, “rookie” volunteers.  With the help of so many willing workers, all of the departments in the Christmas Station were stocked and inviting.  When low-income families arrived to choose gift items, we had a multitude of friendly, helpful volunteers that added a festive atmosphere to the building.  
Each year, low-income families are asked to fill out a questionnaire describing their experience at the Christmas Station.  In 2009, 98 families completed a questionnaire.  All of the families stated that they were very happy with the selection of items in each department.  When asked to list three of their favorite things about the Christmas Station, this is how they responded:
               Kind volunteers, friendly & helpful people                72 responses
               Variety of options, quality choices, wide selection   39 responses
                The Station serves the entire family                       17 responses
Families also mentioned: Helps people in need, Brings joy to children, Child care was provided, Great choice of toys, Respect given to families, Being able to choose items, Everything,  Patience of volunteers, Great help for the Holiday, Caring and concerned, The food, Fun, Easy application process, Household items really help us out,  Getting used coats, The flow of “traffic”, Good selection of clothing, Terrific toys,  Relieves burden of family,  Bike, Well-organized, Diapers, Just knowing that someone is always willing to help, Location, Quantity of items, Lots of families are helped, and The bread   
Comments from the families include:  Thanks so much!; Everything was wonderful, perfect; Everything and everyone was wonderful; Bless everybody

Fresh from this uplifting, heart-warming Shopping Season, we now begin preparing for Christmas 2010.  It is amazing to recognize that this will be our FIFTH  year of service – Wow!!!
We welcome you to get involved in the Christmas Station by:
Joining a committee:  Eligibility, Fundraising, Food, Community Liaison, Public Relations, and Building – each committee meets year-round
Attending fundraisers – watch our calendar for upcoming events!
Making a tax-deductible donation – funds and merchandise are always needed!
Serving as a department head – we need department heads in the teen clothing and teen gift sections
Organize a collection by your school, church, civic organization, neighborhood, etc.  We will gladly provide a list of suggested items to collect!  Please call me with any questions, comments, or suggestions.  Thank you!
Karen Hughes, Board President