THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 7, 1995 TAG: 9512050110
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
For the last three years, Judy Boone has asked the 2,000 guests she invites to her annual Christmas party in early December to bring unwrapped presents with them.
Sometimes she's pretty specific about what she wants, too.
Tricycles, basketballs, Barbies with roller skates.
But these presents are not for the keeping. Boone and her staff at the Ocean View real estate agency take the hundreds of toys they receive each year at the Christmas party, box them up and present them to area churches, shelters, schools and charitable groups as gifts for needy children. Over the years, after getting dozens of calls about specific families that need help, the agents also have ``adopted'' several individual families that they take care of personally.
``It's like we play Santa,'' explained Boone, a longtime Ocean View business owner and active member of the community. ``I ask these groups to give me a list of what they need. Then whatever it is these kids want, we try to make sure they get.
``I know this year, for example, a couple of girls want Barbies with roller skates. If I don't get Barbies with roller skates, I'll go out and buy them.''
It's not unusual for the toys to run out before the names of children do. So, as Christmas approaches, Boone and her agents begin scouring the stores and making purchases.
``It's a time consumer,'' Boone admitted. ``We distribute to an awful lot. I keep getting more and more children each year. We don't buy for each other, so this is our way to give back to the community and to give thanks.''
The agents also clean out their closets just before Christmas each year so they can send along some clothes to families in need.
``In this community there's such a need all year round,'' explained Boone, a mother of two. ``But at Christmas, the big thing is the kids. We want to make sure every kid gets a toy.''
The agents' Christmas spirit, however, lasts the whole year long. The company and individuals sponsor various programs for Scouting groups, schoolchildren, sports teams, recreation leagues, women's shelters and other groups. Last year, for instance, they raised $1,600 to buy a piece of equipment for a child with multiple sclerosis.
``We get so many phone calls from people who need help,'' Boone explained. ``We're out in the community, and we see this and hear about it. People know we care. We get involved ... and doing so makes for a healthier work atmosphere.''
Especially at Christmas, she stressed.
``It makes you feel good to know you're helping. And I get everybody to pitch in ... even my father-in-law's card club helps deliver the toys. If I tell someone about the specific needs of a child - the size of clothing they wear, and what toy they want - who is not going to want and try to help that child out?'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Lacey Shoemaker, Christina Post and Nicole Sabato help Judy Boone
pile up toys for needy children that were donated at Boone's party.
by CNB