Published: October 30, 2009 05:23 pm      

Community Christmas tree volunteers rally in preparation for holiday

I was first introduced to the Community Christmas Tree program a little more than 20 years ago when, as a college student, I volunteered to help with the preparation and party. Little did I know that I would soon find a career with the very company that made Little Jimmie possible.

For 92 years, the Community Christmas Tree has provided gifts — toys, fruit, candy, books, clothing accessories and more — to children in our area who might otherwise go without during the holiday. Sponsored by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, the program is also known as the “Little Jimmie” campaign, in reference to a poignant drawing that accompanies the kickoff of the event each year.

My boss for two decades, the late Daily Telegraph Executive Editor Tom Colley, was the guiding force behind the program for many years. Tom was passionate in his commitment that no child in our community would feel the heartache of having nothing under the Christmas tree.

Last January, 19 days after the 2008 Little Jimmie party, Tom passed away suddenly.

As one might imagine, it’s been a very sad and tumultuous year for us. However, when the calendar showed it was time to plan for this year’s event, I was more than happy to take up the reins. I wanted to do my part to ensure that the success of the Community Christmas Tree experienced under Tom’s guidance would continue.

Although I’d worked with the campaign as needed for 20 years, during the past few weeks I’ve learned just how much I did not know about the program. Fortunately, I had veteran newsroom employee Sue Richmond by my side, guiding me through the process.

Preparing for our first organizational meeting last week, Sue showed me the ins and outs of the process — the big jobs and small details. And I learned how an army of long-time volunteers makes the event run smoothly.

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It was great to see all those who work with the program during the meeting, such as shopping team leaders Jim Dent and Delores French. I knew Jim from his days as police chief, and Delores and I go back even further — back to the days of pom-pons and spirit sticks. Delores was coach of the Bluefield High cheerleaders when I was a college cheerleader. New shoppers Lynn and Carl Burnette were also in attendance. Lynn and Carl were invaluable volunteers during this year’s Chicory Square Concert Series.

(Although team leaders Robert Perry and Rev. W.D. Hasty were unable to attend the meeting, they have signed on to continue their roles in providing toys and goodies for our local children.)

Charlie Cole, who has assisted with event preparation and the party for several years, is another seasoned volunteer. During our discussion about this year’s event, he provided a wealth of insight, knowledge and ideas to make the program run even smoother.

Don Rice is yet another volunteer who works tirelessly for the program. Although Don takes on a variety of duties, one in particular never ceases to amaze: How does he manage to get those hundreds of bags lined up in order so that the distribution seems effortless?

Tom’s son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Michele Colley, are also continuing their work with Little Jimmie. For years, Michele has shopped for the children and also managed the daunting task of sign-ups. Also this year, Kevin will step into Tom’s ticket-taking spot at the party.

Working with Michele on the sign-ups is experienced volunteer Frances Wayland. Frances is another whose dedication has led to the continued success of the program.

Eugenia Hancock has again taken on the job of obtaining books for the children’s gift bags. A much-loved volunteer, Genie stands as a role model for her work in local literacy programs.

Numerous Daily Telegraph employees have also pledged their support to the Community Christmas Tree. Bill Archer was at the meeting doing double duty — discussing entertainment for the party, which he and Don Whitt have provided for many years, and reporting for a story in the paper.

Of course, Sue was also in attendance, offering years of knowledge about the program and a tasty tray of delicious cookies. By her side was Sandy Carroll, secretary of the Community Christmas Tree, who has diligently and enthusiastically assisted with bookkeeping and other duties.

Telegraph City Editor Charles Owens, who helps with the front-page list of donations in each day’s paper, was a little surprised to learn I’d volunteered him and News Editor Andy Patton to assist with bag checks — but they were more than willing to take on the duty.

Classified Manager Teresa Dye, another long-time staffer mentored by Tom, will be taking care of decorations and other details. Several other Telegraph volunteers, including Chuck Sullins and Tina Reed, are taking care of a variety of tasks to ensure the party goes smoothly and each child’s gift bag is filled.

Rounding out the Telegraph team are Business Manager Rhonda Watson and Advertising Director Terri Hale. Both women take on a variety of work with the program each year — Rhonda with the books and Terri with the shopping organization and more. And I have to give both a big “thank you” for their invaluable assistance this past week helping me learn the ropes.

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We knew it would be difficult and emotional at this first Little Jimmie meeting without Tom. But afterward I imagined how he would have evaluated its success.

Seeing the group’s determination to ensure a merry Christmas for all children in our community, I think he would have been proud.

Samantha Perry is managing editor of the Daily Telegraph. Contact her at sperry@bdtonline.com.