THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 4, 1994 TAG: 9412020225
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
The 1994 holiday season is under way. Everyone is busy buying gifts, addressing cards and making plans.
But in the finest spirit of the season, many in Chesapeake giving their time and money to make the holiday special for others.
The little elves at the Oak Grove Preschool have planted their ninth annual mitten tree. The 3- and 4-year-old classmates are going to do their best to make sure there are no cold noggins or fingers and toes in the area.
On Dec. 8 and 9, the pre-schoolers will place gifts of hats, mittens and socks on their tree, which will later be given to Social Services.
If you would like to help decorate the tree with a new pair of socks, a snug knitted cap or some warm woolen mittens, call Joy Massey at 547-2319 or stop by Oak Grove United Methodist Church weekdays from 9 to noon.
It will be lights out for kindergartners and first- and second-graders at Butts Road Primary School on Dec. 9. Christmas music will softly play and the lights will be dimmed as students, teachers and staff participate in a canned food march to the cafeteria, where the goods will be collected.
``With the lights out and the corridors illuminated by flashlight, it will be a time for students to think of others,'' said Janice Featherson, assistant principal.
Chesapeake Fire Station 5 will help Butts Road Primary with the distribution of the food.
The Realtors and staff of Womble Realty are working with Edmarc Hospice for Children. Womble will be Santa for 20 families with terminally ill children. Not only will they help out with the sick child's wish list, but they will help with Christmas for other members of the family.
Mary Lou and Gary Lundholm, Realtors at Womble's Cedar Road location, did their shopping recently. ``It really puts the season into perspective and it's a happy-sad type of feeling,'' said Mary Lou. ``It was fun looking at all the bright-colored toys and picking out just the right ones. But there are so many families with children that need much more than a toy. A wrapped package is such a little way to help.''
Mr. and Mrs. Santa will deliver the gifts on Dec. 11.
If you are interest in providing additional holiday support call Edmarc Hospice for Children at 397-0432.
The Double Deuce Lounge on Bainbridge Boulevard will be host to a holiday feast for the guests of ``Our House,'' a local homeless shelter. Owner Bill Gray and his staff have invited 35 adults and about 50 children for a dinner of turkey, ham and all the trimmings.
``Every child and every adult will personally receive a gift from Santa,'' said Gray. ``And everyone here at the Double Deuce will pitch in to help cook, serve, wrap and host for our guests.
``There are so many kids and adults that have just basic needs,'' continued Gray. ``These people don't want to be in a shelter. But they've had some misfortune that offers them no choice and sometimes no hope. One guest is a young mother with a 3-month-old baby. The baby began its life living in a car right here in Chesapeake. We want to let them know that someone does care what happens to them.''
During the year, Gray offers free meals to the residents of ``Our House.'' Vicki Pardew is helping Gray coordinate the dinner and gifts. She has a newsletter and lists of sizes and needs. Call Pardew at 545-4051, if you want to help with their holiday plans.
The Double Deuce is requesting donations of new gifts and help with the menu items.
``Anything would be greatly appreciated - from a new toy or coat to a ham or can of applesauce,'' said Pardew. ``And if you can't give an item, donate your time. Come down and peel, baste, bake or serve. It will give you a great feeling.'' he promised. MEMO: ``Holiday Helpline'' will be a regular feature of The Clipper throughout
the holiday season. If you know of someone who is helping to make the
season brighter for others, let us know by calling 547-9761 or sending
the information to The Clipper, 921 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake,
Va. 22320.
by CNB