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Application Period Starts Next Month
It may be that for many of us, thoughts of Christmas rest squarely behind those of Halloween and Thanksgiving, but for the board of directors of Rockbridge Christmas Baskets (RCB), work on packing day 2024 is well underway.
Packing day is the culmination of the efforts of this 100 percent volunteer- run organization serving those in need residing in Rockbridge County and the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista. After months of planning, purchasing and coordination, on packing day, RCB volunteers assemble, fill, and deliver boxes of nutritious food to those in the community facing food insecurity at the holidays. Additionally, RCB provides an age-appropriate toy for each child in households served.
Recently, the board met to coordinate plans for this year’s packing event, which will take place earlier than usual on Saturday, Dec. 7. At the meeting, the board also voted in two new members: Jana Shearer, who will learn from and eventually replace Rolf Piranian as food chair, and Beth Owermohle, who is taking on the new board role of business coordinator.
RCB President Paige Williams said, “We are so lucky to have the help of Jana and Beth. Both bring the skills, interest, and energy that will help us meet the challenges we face every year in our service to the community. Last year was our 76th packing day event, and we helped nearly 1,200 area households at a time of the year when food insecurity hurts most. This year, with the help of our amazing community, we plan to pack 1,900 boxes with roughly 40 tons of food. Thank goodness we still have Rolf to lead the way on getting those boxes filled for one more year! I know he will teach Jana well.
“I am so grateful, too, for having Audrey Hawkins helping us as a memberat- large,” Williams continued. “After her many years of leading RCB, she knew that bringing a new role to the board to help keep track of our business needs was the right idea. Beth will work with me to make a smooth path forward through a busy season.”
While packing day is earlier this year, everything else about the process of applying for a basket will work the same way. The application period runs from Tuesday, Oct. 1, to Friday, Nov. 8. “Five weeks to apply is plenty of time, and November 8 is a firm deadline because we need time to prepare,” said Williams.
Any county resident (including Lexington and Buena Vista city residents) who will struggle with putting food on the table or providing a new toy for their child this holiday season may apply.
Starting Oct. 1, applications will be available for pick-up and drop-off at any area CornerStone Bank branch drive through window or at the Lexington Police Department during normal business hours. Additionally, applications may be downloaded from rockbridgechristmasbaskets. org starting Oct. 1. Once printed and completed, they may be submitted to any area CornerStone Bank or the LPD, or mailed to RCB at P.O. Box 1030, Lexington, VA 24450.
Williams added, “If you use the mail, make sure it is postmarked by the Nov. 8 deadline. Also, those who need our assistance should use the application forms, not social media. We must have the forms to keep records straight.”
Households or individuals in need should note that those who did receive a basket last year, and for whom nothing has changed about their household or contact information do not need to reapply. Those in need who did not receive a basket last year, or those who did receive a basket for whom household or contact information has changed (e.g.: new or different household members, new address or phone number) do need to submit an application to receive a basket.
“Rockbridge County, we need you.” Williams said. “Please put our Dec. 7 packing day on your calendar now. Give serious thought about supporting what we do financially, too. With the numbers we serve, chances are you know someone who is helped by RCB. Keep in mind, we are entirely volunteer, so you can feel great that your gift will fill a box or a toy bag.”
To learn more about RCB and/or make a secure online donation, visit rockbridgechristmasbaskets. org. Mailed donations should be addressed to RCB, P.O. Box 1030, Lexington, VA 24450.
Rockbridge Christmas Baskets will hold packing day on Dec. 7 at the Virginia Horse center from 8 a.m. to noon. Community members are invited to join in the packing that day; no sign-up required.
