Community Christmas Tree campaign signs up 315 children first day, fund far short of goal

BLUEFIELD — Scores of families came out to the Bluefield City Auditorium Friday afternoon as sign-ups for this year’s Community Christmas Tree party got off to a robust start, according to Michele Colley, co-coordinator of the registration process along with long-time volunteer, Frances Wayland.

“It started out like this and we have been busy since we opened the doors,” Colley said as she looked down a row of tables where she and 10 other volunteers took information from the families that will be served during the Community Christmas Tree party on Dec. 22.

“We have more volunteers working this year, and they have all stayed busy,” Colley said. Other volunteers working the tables in addition to Colley and Wayland were: Shirley Harless, Tina Harman, Michelle East, Tammy Lively, Natasha Merilic, Tonya Sims, Delores French, Irene Farmer and Rebecca Perry.

“A lot of people came in right at the first, but it slowed down a little later,” Colley said. “We had 261 registered before it slowed down enough for me to count.” Colley said. The first day total of children registered for the party was 315.

“The volunteers had a blast,” Colley said. “One lady came in and registered 15 children. We’ve been working together for so long now, that we can share stories of things that happened in the past. Mrs. French said that the kids want Tonka trucks and a lot of Dora and Hannah Montana things.” Sign-ups will resume from 10 a.m., to 2 p.m., today.

On Friday, $300 was added to the Community Christmas Tree contributions. The total to date this year is $2,687 — $22,313 short of this year’s campaign goal of $25,000.

Those who would like to contribute to the Community Christmas Tree program can mail donations to: Bluefield Daily Telegraph, c/o Community Christmas Tree, P.O. Box 1599, Bluefield, W.Va., 24701; or drop them off at the Daily Telegraph office on Bluefield Avenue. Checks should be made payable to the Community Christmas Tree Fund.

Friday’s contributions

In memory of James William Francis...........................$100.00 Barbara Frye....................100.00

In memory and honor of my father, Eugene E. Dudley.100.00

Today’s total...............$300.00

Previous total..........$ 2,387.00

Total to date...........$ 2,687.00