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Shorter days and cooler breezes serve as a reminder that the holidays are right around the corner. For the board members of Rockbridge Christmas Baskets (RCB), planning for a successful 2023 packing day is already well underway.
This volunteer-run organization celebrated their 75th year of community service last year, bringing over 1,800 boxes (“baskets”) of food and 554 bags of toys to 1,130 households in need across Rockbridge County, including the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista. Packing day 2023 will take place at the Virginia Horse Center’s Anderson Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 9, 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteer teams will make deliveries on the same day.
Basket applications for Rockbridge County residents in need will be available starting Monday, Oct. 2, at the Lexington Police Department and at all area CornerStone Bank drive-through windows.
“If you received a basket last year from Rockbridge Christmas Baskets and are still struggling to put food on the table this year, you do not need to fill out another application if your household and contact information has not changed,” said Jen Andrews, RCB communications chair.
Anyone who received a basket last year and has had a change in their household information, such as a new address, phone number or the addition of a new family member, must complete an application. These changes need to be made using the paper forms — not by social media messaging.
“Households who are in need but have never asked for RCB assistance are encouraged to complete an application so we can spread the joy of the season from our community to their families,” said Andrews.
All applications are due by Monday, Nov. 20. “That the LPD and CornerStone Bank partner with us is so helpful,” RCB board president, Audrey Hawkins added. “Just stop by and pick it up or drop it off during normal business hours, and RCB will take it from there. With so much time to apply, we feel confident we will hear from those who need our help. Forms may also be printed from our website rockbridgechristmasbaskets.org and mailed to our post office box or dropped at the banks.”
Paige Williams, RCB donor relations chair, said, “If you want to help our efforts by coming to pack with us on Dec. 9 — that is wonderful! We also hope we hear from many in our community with a gift of financial support before then. Over 97 percent of all donations go to items that fill boxes or toy bags. We are dedicated to keeping our other expenses as low as possible so we can be the best stewards of all gifts.”
Send applications or donations to RCB, P.O. Box 1030, Lexington, VA 24450.
Applications must be postmarked by the Nov. 20 deadline.
