Richmonders bring Christmas to thousands of local kids

Despite a struggling economy, families in need of a little Christmas magic this season won’t be left out in the cold. In this season of giving, the people of Richmond have gone above and beyond to help those who need it most.

December 15, 2009; 12:00 PM • by Marge Weimer

The support of several local businesses and thousands of donations from community members are helping the The Salvation Army Richmond Area Command make Christmas a reality.

According to a recent Salvation Army press release, “children will be served through one or more of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Programs: The Salvation Army/NBC 12 Army Angel Tree, The Times-Dispatch Christmas Mother Fund, FOX Holiday Socks, Toys for Tots, Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids [and] ESPN Radio 950’s Holiday Cheer and Gear.”

Capt. David Worthy of The Salvation Army Richmond Area Command said Richmonders have been phenomenally supportive of the Christmas assistance program; as a result, thousands will benefit.

“There are somewhere between seven and eight thousand children we are assisting through our regular Angel Tree Program – and that does not take into account the additional folks that we’ve helped through the Christmas Mother Program,” David said. “We are anticipating somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 children.”

Those who reached out to the Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Programs this year will have all week to pick up their items at the Christmas Center, located in the former Dillard’s department store in Chesterfield Towne Center.

“This is by far the most well-suited facility we have ever used,” David said. “We indeed are grateful for Chesterfield Towne Center for making this facility available at no cost to the Salvation Army.”

The 110,000 square foot Christmas Center is brimming with donated gifts, coats, bikes and stuffed stockings. Visitors will also have an opportunity to “shop” in an area of freebie items provided by Dollar Tree.

Capt. Dawn Worthy (David’s wife and fellow Salvation Army commander) said 13,000 coats were received through the Puritan Cleaner’s Coats for Kids Drive.

“Technically, if all the sizes fit we should have plenty of coats for every single person that comes through here,” Dawn said.

The Christmas Center opened yesterday and will remain open for registered families until Saturday.

“There is no greater delight than knowing that we are impacting the lives of families and children in this area,” David said.

Visit the Salvation Army Richmond Area Command website for more information about the Christmas Assistance Program and sponsors.

Puritan Cleaners Operations Manager Norman Way (foreground, red tie) leads a group of volunteers in prayer, celebrating the opening day of the Christmas Center. Also pictured from left to right: Capt. David Worthy, Salvation Army; Capt. Dawn Worthy, Salvation Army; Alice Goodwin, Christmas Mother 2009; Harris Payne, Salvation Army board member.