To the Editor,
As the new year begins, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the group of ladies who donated so many volunteer hours to the Caroline Christmas Partners. The “Partners” is a new initiative started in 2014 to provide gifts for children who otherwise might not have anything to open on Christmas morning. The program was started as a support network to our wonderful Caroline Department of Social Services and Assistant Director Anne Tyree, who has been a “one-woman Santa Claus” for needy kids in past years. Many people do not realize, providing Christmas for those in want is not really an official duty of DSS, but the Department steps in the gap as they do in so many areas of need in Caroline.
The core group of ladies this year included our chairwoman, Pat Wright, Sharon Benser, Macine Williams, Michelle Richardson, Marian Atwell, Anne Tyree, and Beth Jimenez. These very determined ladies met all year long to lay the plans and accomplish the goal of having a gift for every family who applied and were approved. Following our master plan, each of these ladies used their specific talents to make it happen, from preparing a 2,000-piece mailer to handling and sorting the influx of $10,000-plus in monetary donations and toys and gifts for children ages 2-18. Anne Tyree handled our applicant process and thank you notes for the generous sponsors while inputting information for “Charity Tracker,” a computer-based program which keeps records of all applicants.
One of the most difficult parts of the task is matching the needs of the children with sponsors, and this year was a great success. Our marketing plan included radio announcements explaining how to become a partner as well as how to apply for help and airtime for our sponsors’ names as well. Thanks to the Star Radio Group and Ms. Fayth Clair for the kind support and to Mrs. Sharon Carter, Commissioner of the Revenue, for assistance with our mailing list. We also thank The Caroline Progress for their coverage of our initiative and for printing the names of our sponsors and look forward to working with them again this year. A big thank you is extended to County Administrator, Mr. Charlie Culley, and Mr. Mike Allen and all his staff at Caroline County Public Works for their help in picking up our Toys for Tots allotment.
We are already starting to meet again this month to plan for 2015’s Christmas Partner’s program. If you are interested in getting on our list to sponsor a child and/or family, call Social Services at (804) 633-5071 ext. 115 to get on our mailing list. Our deepest appreciation is extended to the following individuals, businesses and churches. Your generosity made children smile this year in Caroline.
Thank you to all who gave Christmas to those in need this year in Caroline County:
Winding Brook Auto, Silver Companies. Mary Washington Healthcare, George Wieber, Don Filsoof, Rebecca and John Danello. Barbara Schools, Bowling Green Healthcare, St Peter’s Episcopal Church Men’s Group. Gooch Appliance, John and Cindy Lollar, Linda Perry Taxes,
Countryside Daycare, Paul and Edith Taylor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Salem Baptist Church Foundations of Faith Sunday School Class, Antoniette Jones, Fredericksburg Asphalt, Tim and Mellisa Lewis, St Asaph’s Episcopal Church, Song’s Classic Cuts, Leslie and Sharon Carter,
American Stone Virginia LLC, Carl and Darlene Ackerman, Sands Anderson-Mr. Ben Emerson, At Once Staffing, Bowling Green Baptist Philathea Sunday School Class, Matt Brandt-State Farm Insurance, Kelly’s Trailer World, Litt and Kath Thompson, Creative Catering,
Gilbert and Judy Shelton, Harrie Plumbing and Heating, St James Baptist Church, Long Branch Baptist Church, Southern Truck and Custom, St John Baptist Church, Susan Poirer, A&M Home Center, Bowling Green Suites, Lake Caroline POA-David Rababy, Jeanette Burke,
1st Baptist Church, Mike’s Outdoor Shop, Milford Presbyterian Church, The Albertsons, JH Knighton Lumber Co. Inc, Mr and Mrs William Ball, James Management Group, Jackie Coleman, Dollar General, Union Bank of Ladysmith, Bowling Green Lion’s Club, Madison Ruritans,
Nicky Walker, Hopewell United Methodist Church, Ladysmith Vol. Rescue Squad, Richard and Karen Covington, Jericho Youth Baptist Church, Holly Garner, Salem Baptist Sunday School-Terry Southworth, Aqua Virginia, Clarence Campbell, Almeta Beveridge,
2nd Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 7-11 Carmel Church-Courtney and Kevin Jackson, Francine Whittaker, Pittmasters Committee of Lake Land Or POA, BSA Troop 173, Jack and Donna Creasy, Sherry James and family, Revere Gas, Jeanie and Charles VanDevender, Jamie Herndon,
Jeff Wick, Diane Abato, Caroline Sheriff’s Department, Jean Kelly, Chandra and Philip Atkins, Caroline Family YMCA.
Susan Sili
Caroline Christmas Partners