Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 30, 1993 TAG: 9311300101
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Whitlow wanted to reach people in need without them feeling as though they were getting a handout.
So Whitlow, with the help of volunteers and a generous building owner, opened a store.
Called the Community Christmas Store, it is a first-time volunteer effort to assist families and individuals who cannot share in the holiday shopping tradition for lack of means. All of the goods and merchandise that stock store shelves and hang from racks either have been donated or purchased with money contributions.
On Dec. 3 and 4, families, elderly people and disabled individuals from Roanoke County, Salem and Vinton will spend the day "shopping" for themselves and family members.
"This is a more dignified approach to helping someone," Whitlow said. "It's an opportunity for parents to be the giver to their children; a better way of trying to help folks."
Whitlow, of Salem, contacted the Roanoke County Department of Social Services earlier this year in search of people who needed help. For several years, the department - despite a dramatically increased workload - had used a volunteer coordinator to match people who wanted to donate with people who needed assistance.
But when the department lost its volunteer coordinator several years ago, the work was at first farmed out through a part-time staff person, then through the county Parks and Recreation Department.
The department enthusiastically responded to Whitlow's request, said Betty McCrary, director of social services for Roanoke County.
"The Christmas store can do it much better," she said. "Before, we were just trying to match people on paper. This way, customers can come in and pick out what they need."
Each family and individual will "shop," not with money but with an assigned number of points. Point values will be assigned to merchandise.
Shoppers will be allowed to browse through clothing - both new and used - toy and household departments. There is a department with items specifically for the elderly.
In the "Grandparents Corner," people on fixed incomes can pick up gifts for their grandchildren. In another department, children can pick up something for their parents.
All shoppers will receive a food box containing a turkey or ham, pasta, potatoes, fruit and other goods before they leave.
"We've had support from civic groups, churches, schools, businesses," she said. "That's what we wanted; a store that could serve best by being a resource for all."
The store - modeled after one in Montgomery County - has been limited in its first year to serving people in Roanoke County, Salem and Vinton because Whitlow wasn't sure how much in resources the store could attract. Whitlow said she has set a goal of serving the entire valley.
This year, applications from 170 families - with a total of 290 children - and 54 elderly citizens and disabled individuals, have been accepted for services.
"Help can be sporadic," Whitlow said. "Some families are given a lot. Others completely fall through the cracks and don't get any help. I hope this can serve as a kind of clearing house for other organizations."
Community Christmas Store is no longer accepting applications for services. A waiting list, however, is being compiled. The store will accept money donations until Friday and donations of goods through Thursday. For more information, contact Janie Whitlow at 375-2752 or Carole Bratton at 989-4838.
by CNB