Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 23, 1993 TAG: 9312230373
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
He doesn't look much like Santa - there's no red suit, and his hair and eyes are black - but he is quietly responsible for toys under the trees of about 150 Vinton children.
To parents who cannot afford gifts, Obenchain is Santa Claus.
Five years ago, Obenchain, a firefighter with two children of his own, wanted to find a way to share Christmas with others. He set up his own version of an angel tree. His tree, "The Children's Tree," is at the back of the family floral shop in Vinton.
Guidance counselors at each of Vinton's five elementary schools give Obenchain the names of students whose parents might need help with Christmas gifts. The parents complete forms, noting the age and gender of each child, plus a list of wants and needs.
Nov. 1, folks wanting to help with Obenchain's project took the names of children from the tree. Obenchain stored the gifts at the florist. Friday, he began delivering them to the schools, where parents discreetly collected the packages.
He made sure siblings received equal numbers of packages and that each child got toys in addition to clothes and other essentials. This meant keeping a list of wishes - such as skateboards and board games - so that last-minute items could be purchased and added to those awaiting delivery.
One person donated two bikes, he said, obviously impressed. The most anyone has spent in one year on one family is about $400, he said.
"The people in this town really care about others," Obenchain said, adding that many groups and individuals return each year to pick names from the tree.
"There's no way to thank these people who contribute. None of this would be possible without their help," he said.
Some of the donors are sixth-graders at William Byrd Middle School. They bought gifts for children on Obenchain's tree with money they would have used for a school Christmas party.
"I think he's doing an excellent job," said teacher Debbie McDaniel. "He helps us remember what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.
"The kids do not know the names of the children they are buying for. But there's always the awareness that it could be one of their next-door neighbors."
Children's tree benefactors never witness the kids opening their gifts, but Obenchain said there is much joy just knowing life has been made easier for parents who otherwise could not provide Christmas presents for their children.
"I'm shocked at the need," said Obenchain, who limits gift recipients to Vinton residents because of the time and space needed to organize the project. He said some Roanoke parents have called, hoping to include their children in the program, but he lacks the time and storage space to accommodate them.
"But at least we know that there's 150 kids we've done our very best for."
Meanwhile, Obenchain, a meticulous record-keeper, is trying to find a way to serve more families.
"If I can devise a better system, we might just be able to expand the program next year," he said. "We'll keep doing this as long as the schools help us know who needs the help."
by CNB