There is a brisk wind blowing in the air and the sounds of the season are beginning to fill your ears. There’s no denying it, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – the most wonderful time of the year! With the holidays right around the corner why not start a new family tradition by participating in the Patrick County Christmas Cheer Program.

Through generous donors like you, this program provides clothing, toys, and a bag chock-full of groceries to nearly 250 families in our county.

With many options to choose from, helping a family in need is both affordable and convenient. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots box locations: Wanda’s Estate Jewelry, Mattie B’s, 4-H Shooting Club/Plantiques, Stuart Family Pharmacy, Dan River Grocery, Spring Drug, Stuart United Methodist Church and Nancy’s Candy Company. Whether you are downtown, uptown, or wondering around our beautiful county, you’ll be sure to spot a Toys for Tots box.

You might consider sharing the blessing of supporting a family with others. Together with a group of friends, family, or Sunday school class, you may choose to provide warm clothing and toys for a specific child.  Sponsor a child by choosing a Christmas Cheer recipient tag at one of our specially decorated trees located at: Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid, Tin Pen Alley, Honduras Coffee Shop and Pet Provisions.

Upcoming events that support the Patrick County Christmas Cheer program include:

• A Christmas Celebration at the historical STAR theatre December 5 and 6^th.  Contact Page Cobbler at 276/692-7407 for more information.

• Santa, Snacks and Snips hosted by Woodland Salon and Day Spa, Saturday, Dec. 13^th 9 AM – Noon. $10 hair-cuts, $1 per minute chair massage. Be sure to bring your camera and capture a moment with that jolly fellow from the North Pole. Contact; Brenda Robertson 276/694-7105.

Thank you for supporting this wonderful home-town ministry. Additional information may be obtained from Tamika Reynolds at VA Cooperative Extension, 694-3341 or Brenda Strum at STEP, 694-2239, ext. 227. On behalf of the families, and volunteers we wish you a healthy holiday season.