THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412230266
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Common Sense
SOURCE: Joseph Banks
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
Today, some 30 families are enjoying Christmas a little bit more - thanks to the blind generosity at two mom-and-pop bars.
Today, an elderly Portsmouth woman isn't without heat after the folks at Razorback's in Chesapeake paid her $56 gas bill and made sure service was continued.
Today, a 74-year-old Cradock woman and her daughter are eating a bigger meal after receiving a ham and turkey as part of a food basket, courtesy of complete strangers at the roadside bar on South Military Highway.
Today, a divorced mother of three is grateful that her 13-year-old and 9-year-old daughters received shirts, slacks and sweaters and her 3-year-old son received toys from Santa (i.e. Razorback's).
Just 10 days ago, the Portsmouth mother, her voice cracking, explained how she could hardly make ends meet on the $400-a-month child-support payment, let alone be able to afford Christmas; how she had called her daughter's school, hoping somehow, someway, the school might be able to help; how the school suggested she call one of her neighborhood churches; and how a secretary at the church, its commitments already made, made contact with the folks at Razorback's.
How, when the folks at Razorback's called to request a wish list, the mother offered ideas for five, 10-dollar gifts; and how co-owner Francine Moore explained that Razorback's wasn't talking nickel and dime gifts, they were talking Christmas.
Just 10 days ago, the mother, in near tears of relief, expressed first her shock, then her appreciation of these total strangers, knowing that her family would indeed have Christmas.
Second- and third-generation customers who, between $1.15 bottled Buds, games of pool and songs such as ``What I Am Worth?'' and ``High-Tech Redneck'' - Nos. 286 and 198 on the jukebox - paid a buck to toss a patron in ``jail'' until someone else paid a buck to get him or her out.
About $500 in donations from a Chesapeake bar helping Portsmouth residents they don't know.
Likewise at Tara's, a restaurant/sports bar on Airline Boulevard.
Peggy and Jack Bowers, their employees and customers chipped in to ensure 25 kids a Christmas that was.
Last weekend at Tara's, 25 kids in need enjoyed a Christmas party that included a visit from Santa and received at least one toy and one piece of clothing.
It was a day some two months in the making, when Peggy Bowers, once again, contacted the Salvation Army for the names, ages and sizes of 25 kids who might not otherwise have a Christmas.
A Saturday when 25 kids politely awaited their names to be called by Santa to come forward and receive their presents; patiently waited until the last youngster's name had been called before opening a present.
When 25 kids received presents such as a Slam Basket, a stuffed teddy bear, a soccer ball, a Town 'n' Country Doll House, a basketball, a Power Ranger, and a remote-controlled vehicle; when they received new blouses, pants, parkas, shirts, sweatsuits or sneakers. Not all presents were opened. Some of the kids saved them to open today, Christmas, or for a sibling at home.
It was a day when the owners, employees and patrons who contributed some $1,200 witnessed a youngster whose name tag said William, bashfully, sheepishly and without prompting, walk up to the man in red and say ``Thank you, Santa.''
Today, Christmas, some 30 families are enjoying the holiday a bit more, thanks to the Bowers, the Moores, their employees and their patrons.
Today, Christmas, hundreds of families throughout Portsmouth are celebrating a bit more joyfully, thanks to the similar efforts of hundreds of bars, civic groups, congregations and organizations throughout Portsmouth.
May you - Kim Gaffos, Jim Rhyne, the firefighters at Station No. 7, the Bowers, the Moores, their employees and patrons, as well as those involved elsewhere - experience joy and peace for hundreds of people throughout Portsmouth, your efforts helped ensure a Christmas that was, rather than a Christmas that wasn't. by CNB