Religiously Speaking
Frances Stebbins
I first heard of The Christmas Store from a friend in the New River Valley where it had begun in the 1980s. It’s an unusual way for three groups of people – children, the elderly and the disabled – living in Salem, Vinton and the counties of Roanoke and Craig to get some new gifts they choose for themselves, if eligible.
Janie Whitlow, whose paid job is in real estate, has been a leader in the seasonal ministry for many years. She enlightened several who are active in Salem Area Ecumenical Ministries (SAEM) at its most recent meeting.
Even after nearly 25 years of helping the needy in a “dignified” way, many don’t how the “store” differs from the many other helping agencies that are starting to make their annual appeals.
Briefly, the store is open every year on the Second Friday and the Second Saturday in December. Persons over 18, whose need has been previously determined by the departments of social services in the covered government areas, may go by appointment to the space which is offered free by a commercial establishment, Whitlow explained.
Once the place has been secured, volunteers set it up with departments somewhat similar to those in a retail store. New clothing, toys and household needs, such as small appliances, linens and kitchen utensils are made available for the choosing.
“An elderly man was able to find a gift for his sick wife. He told me it was the first time in two years he could do that,” the speaker recalled.
By permitting those eligible to choose several gifts for their loved ones, the stigma of charity is reduced. Parents can find wanted toys for their children “from Santa Claus”. These may even include a new bicycle that a generous donor makes several available each Christmas season, Whitlow revealed.
It all takes a lot of work, and none of it is paid. Supporters collect gifts and money to buy them all year long. Donations may be made to Community Christmas Store and sent to PO Box 616, Salem, Va. 24153. More information is available by calling 540-389-2525.
Whitlow told the representatives of several Salem area congregations that more volunteers are urgently needed because, as in most non-profit organizations to help people, the major supporters are retirement-age people whose energies decline as their years increase. Some have helped with the store for 20 years, she noted.
“We need to encourage younger people. They can help on many levels from serving on planning boards, raising money, buying needed articles and helping the shoppers find the things they need,” Whitlow said. Even an hour or two is welcome.
An unusually low overhead makes it possible to give around 90 percent of what is donated directly to those who need it. Whitlow pointed out that at least $100 is provided in gifts for each household.
The Christmas Store is a 501-C non-profit agency for financial contributions.
What is not distributed on the two days the gifts are available is given to the local clothing closets or food pantries. Whitlow pointed out that the store is intended to serve the young, old and disabled in the designated areas. At times a limited amount of help has been offered to Southeast Roanoke residents served by the Presbyterian Community Center there.
