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

DATE: FRIDAY, November 24, 1995                   TAG: 9511240054
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

STORE GIVES BUYER'S CHOICE TO POOR

The Community Christmas Store was founded in 1993 to serve needy people during the holiday season in a manner that would allow them choice rather than flat-out handouts.

Each year, volunteers have filled a vacant building in Salem with goods. Shoppers browse through clothing - new and used - toy and household departments and one with items for the elderly. In the "Grandparents' Corner," people on fixed incomes pick out gifts for grandchildren. In "Mary's Room," children select something for their parents. All shoppers receive a box filled with fixings for a holiday meal, turkey included.

The store's volunteer organization has never wavered from its mission.

"We provide needy families Christmas in a way more dignified than just getting a name and saying 'Here's an outfit; hope you like it,''' said Margaret Bishop, who is one of the store's leaders this year

Last year, the store served nearly 500 families from Roanoke County, Salem and Vinton, most of them clients of the county Department of Social Services. This year, with services extended to families from Roanoke for the first time, volunteers have set a goal of serving 750 families.

The store this year will be housed in a former tire company building at 504 Roanoke St. in Salem, across from Domino's Pizza on Fourth Street. The store will be open to shoppers Dec. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Judy Barricks, a member of the store's volunteer organization, said donations are running a bit short. The store needs children's winter clothing, baby items, gifts and clothing for teens and senior citizens, household goods, and canned and nonperishable food.

Donations can be delivered to the store today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. From Monday through Dec. 2, the store will be open to accept donations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 will be the last day for donations. The store will be open then from 1 to 6 p.m.

Cash donations can be mailed to: Community Christmas Store, P.O. Box 616, Salem 24153.

For more information, contact Kathy Walker at 389-2830 or Margaret Bishop at 389-2795. To volunteer, contact Judy Barricks at 380-2211.

by CNB