THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 15, 1994 TAG: 9412130081
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
Ocean View resident Anna Richardson carefully sifts through the boxes of Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, Matchbox cars, basketballs and other toys lining the tables in the fellowship hall of Burroughs Memorial Baptist Church, trying to find the perfect gifts for her three children.
She has less than $40 to spend. But at this Christmas Store, organized by the Norfolk Baptist Association, a few dollars goes a long way. Thanks to donations from churches, individuals and toy distributors, all the new toys and clothing sell for only 10 percent of their retail value.
``There are so many people who just can't afford a Christmas,'' explained Kimberley S. Jessie, director of church and community ministries for the association. ``They have children, but they have no Santa Claus.
``We wanted to give them a little bit of help.''
As ``Joy to the World'' played in the background, volunteer Sally Saunders helped Richardson select a camera and book for her 11-year-old daughter, Latasha, and a basketball, binoculars and a hat for 12-year-old Eric. She was still looking for something for her son Quiozell, who is 9.
``This store has meant a lot,'' said Richardson, 29. ``In November, I was in a car accident. I haven't worked since then. My children understand things are going to be tight this year, but I really wanted them to have something they could put to good use.''
Like Richardson, 26-year-old Tamara Peake was trying to be practical in selecting purchases for her two children, ages 8 and 5.
For a while, she worried her children wouldn't have any Christmas gifts. Peake has been unemployed for months, and her husband has worked only sporadically during the last year.
``All of a sudden, we got lucky,'' explained Peake, a Virginia Beach resident. ``A church on Holland Road told us about this store. It was such a blessing. I'm embarrassed that we have to do this .... but we really needed help this year.''
The store was organized five years ago by the Norfolk Baptist Association to help low-income families experiencing temporary financial problems have a Christmas, Jessie explained. Each year, parents who are referred to the program by church members fill out an application form. Approval is decided largely on a case-by-case basis, Jessie said.
Those approved are then given an appointment to shop. This year, nearly 75 families visited the store Dec. 5-7 to make purchases.
``Actually, we've had fewer families apply this year than in the past,'' Jessie said. ``What we have found is that ... people are doing better this year. A few of our churches have called and said they just didn't have any people this year.''
After the parents finish shopping, volunteers meet with them to discuss spiritual issues and other needs the family might have.
The program is geared to helping the family get back on its feet, Jessie said.
``This really provides us with an avenue for determining all sorts of needs in the community,'' she said.
After the parents shop, the children get their turn. Each year, about 100 kids return to the church on a Sunday before Christmas to select gifts for their parents and to attend a holiday party. They're assisted by teenage volunteers.
In all, nearly 200 volunteers from the association's 75 member churches help in arranging merchandise, assisting people shop, and handling other administrative details.
``Many of these volunteers have never seen this side of life before,'' Jessie noted. ``Some are wealthy and just don't have a clue what it's like to not be able to go out and buy whatever they want. ... It's been good for them.''
Gertrude Jewell, who helped Peake shop, has been a volunteer for the last few years.
``I come every year because I feel so good helping people,'' said Jewell, a Talbot Park Baptist Church member. ``It makes Christmas more meaningful to them and to me.
``This is what Christmas is really all about.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
Volunteer Gertrude Jewel, left, helps Tamara Peake with her
shopping.
by CNB