In the advent of the Christmas phase of the Holiday Giving Project, Lion and Leo Elves were making preparations in many ways; some were shopping for clothes, some were gathering and moving foods, some were looking for mittens and socks, while others were finding the right stocking stuffers; others were contacting their families, wrapping the gifts, packing the foods, stuffing stockings, and checking their lists to make sure every family had all of their deliveries readied to go! And then the Christmas Giving Project was ready to deliver to 30 families of 80 children and 63 adults on Saturday, Dec. 17. Ten teams of Lions, family and friends, 30 in all, gathered at the Elf Shop to finalize the project. After getting some warm coffee and buns, the “chariots and sleighs” were packed in short order, and “away, away” they flew, only to find we were missing a ham, milk, eggs and butter for one family. Oops, someone goofed! “Goofed” showed up carrying in the missing items with head held low saying ‘Do you need these!” Immediately, Goofed was sent “away” to meet up with the other sleigh that didn’t have a complete load! WHEW! What a great project! The sleighs carried 4 boxes of perishable and nonperishable foods and two large trash bags of gifts! One sleigh had two bikes included and as they approached the homes along with Santa in his red suit, one elf would took the bike around back of the house while the others entertained the family at the front door. Wonderment of the surprise gift was an answer to a child’s wish, for sure! Other Elves found the families very receptive to their visits. Oh to be a child again! Or maybe, even an Elf – a Lion Elf!
To round out the project, 55 Lions, family members and friends tolled for 200 hours and spent $4000 to make the project a complete one. Each child had an outfit of clothing, 2 toys, mittens, gloves and socks and more. Each family had a box of tissues, a stocking filled with useful items, 2 towels and washcloths and miscellaneous items.
Many, Many Elves partnered with the Lions to make this project a most enjoyable one. The Tradesmen Motorcycle Club of the Damascus area donated some 160 toys from a Jingle Bell Run to the project. The boxes to pack the foods in were donated by Lion Peg and Dave Stone; The dinner rolls were donated by Huang Distributors; The festive homemade cookie filled boxes were made and prepared by the Goldstein Family; Gladhill Brothers donated Gift Bags and 3 toys for the babies; Richard Schoeb, LLC donated a tooth brush and toothpaste for every family member; Lions donated stocking stuffers, mittens, hats, socks and Chris Fletcher donated a last minute toy!
In addition the Holiday Fund Lions have been scouting the Damascus businesses and friends of Lions to help fund the project! Thanks to all Lions who helped fill “Lion Albert’s” Christmas Fund jar! What a tradition!
The Holiday Giving Project was truly a partnership this year! Again, we have served the families of our Damascus Community in hopes of an enjoyable Christmastime this year for them. Thank you to all the Lions, family and friends who assisted in making this project a great one! You helped make a child and parent smile this Christmas! Happy New Year!