THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 13, 1995 TAG: 9512130383
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JON GLASS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Like a squirrel gathering up acorns for a winter feast, Julanne Block, a retiree and grandmother, began stockpiling toys just days after Santa made his rounds last year.
She hit the after-Christmas sales in January and February for bargains on Ken and Barbie dolls. Last summer, she scoured yard sales, picking up stuffed animals and other discarded treasures. And she became a familiar face at the Goodwill Industries' flea markets on days their trucks unloaded goodies.
Now, 'tis the season when Block gets her payback.
Her bounty soon will find its way, toy by carefully selected toy, under the Christmas trees of schoolkids at Granby Elementary.
Making like ol' St. Nick, Block, who lives within walking distance of the school, hauled in bags and boxes full of shiny and restored toys, the dolls sporting ready-to-wear outfits she hand-stitched.
On Tuesday morning, the holiday spirit blossomed as the school's teachers gathered before classes for a huge toy-wrapping party. More than 100 of the school's 700-plus kids will be selected by teachers to get one of the gifts next week.
``It's just made my whole Christmas,'' said Wilma White, who teaches learning-disabled children.
White marveled at the detail of the hand-sewn Barbie doll clothes, done up with lace and ribbon. ``I think it's a major big deal.''
First-grade teacher Ellen Midkiff added: ``Our lives are all so rushed and busy, and something like this makes you take time to think that there are so many people so close to your own home in need. I'm glad to be a part of this, knowing maybe that you made someone's Christmas a little brighter.''
About 60 percent of Granby's students come from low-income homes and qualify for free and low-price school lunches.
Block, 65, who also reads twice a week to Granby first-graders, brushed aside the accolades.
``Don't make me sound like a saint,'' said Block, former co-owner with her husband, Pete, of Pete's Hot Dogs on Church Street. ``You just feel good, and that's the whole idea. There are a lot of us out there - I'm surrounded by do-gooders.''
Block encouraged others who have toys or clothes they don't need to consider giving them to a school.
``It's incredible that we still have people like that,'' said April Harmon, a guidance counselor at Granby.
``Just people who still care and do things not for show but from the heart.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by HUY NGUYEN\ The Virginian-Pilot
Before classes on Tuesday, teachers at Granby Elementary School in
Norfolk gift-wrap toys donated by Julanne Block.
Julanne Block, right, brings in a load of toys Tuesday. She brushes
aside praise for donating them: ``You just feel good, and that's the
whole idea.''
by CNB