THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 5, 1995 TAG: 9501050005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
I was so moved by ``Lagging contributions put frown on Joy Fund'' (news, Dec. 31) that I am enclosing a check for $45 to cover the cost of gifts to three children in the area on behalf of my own three children who are healthy, fed and fortunate enough to have celebrated Christmas in the manner that they did. I would urge every other parent or grandparent in our community to do the same in order to keep this community project the wonderful success it's always been.
We tend to forget sometimes that the holiday season essentially belongs to children. It doesn't matter who they are or where they come from. It's up to the rest of us to do what we can to make those Christmas dreams come alive by opening our heart when we have the chance and giving - really giving - even when we think we can't afford it. All it takes is one look at our own children and the prosperous, comfortable lives they enjoy to realize: Afford it? We certainly can.
I hope the many will help the Joy Fund as it helps so many, by giving now in the name of a child. They should give because their families had a good year or because their children have the good things that they have. Give because it just feels good to know that somewhere out there a child will benefit because someone cared enough to give.
After all, if not for the grace of God, couldn't these needy children be theirs or yours?
DEBORAH PATNAUDE
Norfolk, Dec. 31, 1994 by CNB