THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 16, 1994 TAG: 9412150021
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A22 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Last year, my wife and I worked in the Salvation Army's ``Angel Tree'' warehouse boxing clothing for children.
About 15 volunteers contributed to these efforts throughout the day. Every ``secret Santa'' and individual contributor should know that we had a very difficult time filling some boxes. There were plenty of clothes for infants, small girls and petite older girls, but when we came to a boy age 8 or up, or any child not slim or petite, there was almost nothing to choose.
A few times, when we were most disappointed about the selection, we found small ``miracles'' in the piles of clothing. One of these miracles: I was searching for clothing to fit a 12-year-old boy, but there was nothing to be found. As I was returning his box to the endless row of boxes, I spotted a clean, legal-size envelope.
I put the box down, opened the envelope and found a $50 gift certificate to Sears, contributed by a person who never signed the ``gift from'' section on the certificate. Surely this would fit in the box!
Some children had so many gifts designated that they wouldn't fit in six boxes. These came from groups that selected one child and donated items for one child.
Hampton Roads' residents have very large hearts and were extremely generous in last year's donations. We hope they will reach deep and open their arms and hearts again this year to a most worthy community project. But most important, think of the children, their sizes, wishes, hopes and dreams.
If you see any of the Salvation Army volunteers, give them your thanks and praise. They are a powerhouse of hope and inspiration, and they deserve appreciation.
JIM STEIL
Virginia Beach, Dec. 8, 1994 by CNB