It's about togetherness. It's about sharing. It's about making a positive difference in the lives of others.
With the holiday season just around the corner, Madison House's Holiday Sharing program is the perfect way to add a little spirit to an already joyful time of year.
By recruiting the help of individuals and groups from the University and Charlottesville area, the program aims to make the holidays special for less fortunate families in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area.
Families range from two to eight members, and sponsors can make contributions individually or in a group, said first-year Architecture student and Holiday Sharing volunteer Adrienne Hicks.
Besides working with the Salvation Army to find needy families, Holiday Sharing volunteers also are in charge of recruitment, matching sponsors with families and distributing holiday packages. Recruitment consists of different activities such as calling local businesses to recruit help and staffing tables on the Lawn.
According to Hicks, many Charlottesville businesses have been very generous and tabling on the Lawn has been a success thus far.
With recruitment beginning early in October, Holiday Sharing volunteers are almost halfway to their goal of finding sponsors for 100 families. They hope to reach their target by tomorrow's sign-up deadline.
The packages finally will be distributed about a week before exams in December, and volunteers then will see the results of their long hours of dedication.
"We get to see the packages distributed to the families," Hicks said with an excited smile. "And I can't wait to see the expressions and joy of the kids."
Hicks said she got involved with the program after spotting a flyer around Grounds.
"I worked with this kind of thing at home," she said. "But this is different because we actually get to see the distribution process."
As for the number of packages, Hicks said they fill up most of the rooms at Madison House. And families are sure to be pleased with their arrangements. Consisting of a present for each family member, three meals of non-perishable items and a gift certificate for perishable food, the packages offer a chance for families to celebrate the holidays in comfort.
"I'm just glad I can give some of the things I'm blessed with to somebody who can't have the type of Christmas I have," Hicks said.
Madison House volunteers will be available today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to sign up sponsors and provide information. Call 977-7051.
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