Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BECKLEY —
BLUEFIELD — Donations to the Community Christmas Tree were sluggish Thursday, with $200 in contributions received toward the $30,000 campaign goal.
With 400 children registered for the program already, and additional sign-ups scheduled today and Saturday, organizers anticipate serving 750 children at this year’s party on Dec. 21.
Sponsored by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, the Community Christmas Tree is also known as the Little Jimmie program, a reference to an iconic drawing that has accompanied the campaign kickoff since its early days.
As in year’s past, plans call for giving each child registered for the program a red bag filled with two toys — selected especially for each individual child — food, treats, a book, toboggan, a pair of gloves and other goodies.
Parents who have not yet signed their children up for the program can register them today, from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the city auditorium in Bluefield. Parents or legal guardians are required to bring the child’s WIC or CHIPS card, or birth certificate.
Thursday’s donations brought this year’s campaign total to $12,510, $17,490 short of the $30,000 goal.
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, WV, 24701; or drop them off at the Daily Telegraph office. Checks should be made payable to the Community Christmas Tree Fund.
Thursday’s contributions
In memory of M.S.G. William “Bill” Belcher and daughter Lisa Belcher $100
Everette and Melinda Rast $100
Today’s total $200
Pevious total $12,310
Total to date $12,510
