
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 24, 1993                   TAG: 9306240444
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

CHARITABLE SANTAS SAY IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY

A Christmas store aimed at putting more joy into the holidays for needy families in Salem and Roanoke County is being organized by a group of community-minded people.

Janie Whitlow, a real estate agent for a Salem company, said the group is seeking donations of money, food, clothing and toys. The goal, she said, is to raise $25,000 and enough merchandise to serve 250 families.

Whitlow, a leading organizer, said the group also needs volunteers to help make the project a reality.

The project, known as the Community Christmas Store, will be fashioned on one that operates in Montgomery County.

All the merchandise will be assembled at one location that has not yet been selected. Needy families can shop for Christmas on Dec. 3 and 4, Whitlow said. Social service workers will screen families to receive items.

To "buy" items, families will use points assigned to them on the basis of their need, Whitlow said.

The group is planning to hold a golf tournament this summer or fall to help raise funds and will begin collecting and storing merchandise in the fall, she said.

Anyone wishing to donate items or volunteer can call Whitlow at 389-8101 during the day or 375-2752 at night or can write to P.O. Box 616, Salem 24153.

by CNB