In the Rappahannock Area of Virginia, Santa Delivers

Written by Jessica Bernstein, Redcross.org

Scooby-Doo guards miles of bikes and gifts at Santa's makeshift warehouse in the Rappahannock Area Chapter.

"This is Ciarra. My Mom has an illness and can't get that much this year and I would like a few things if that's possible."

"My son needs a coat and underwear, shoes, pants and shirts along with socks. If you can help me get these things. I thank you very much."

For the past 14 years, elves from the Rappahannock Area Chapter of the American Red Cross have helped Santa deliver gifts to needy children in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. New clothing, toys and stocking stuffers are among the gifts that volunteers from the community provide.

The program is coordinated by the local social services agency, the American Red Cross, and Project Head Start. With their parents' help, children up to 14 years of age submit letters and applications requesting items that they need and want. Applications are screened for eligibility and members of the community volunteer to act as Santa for a particular child. Privacy of the recipients and their families is a top concern; Santas know only the child's age, first name, sex, size and favorite items.

The chapter building serves as Santa's warehouse where volunteers deliver gifts. Children usually do not accompany parents to the distribution site so that the gifts remain a surprise. Volunteers work many hours during November and December to ensure that every eligible child gets a secret Santa. An estimated 1000 local children receive gifts through this program each holiday season.

Board member and Chief Elf Leslie Caliva spearheads the event. Caliva recalls speaking with an appreciative single mother whose four children received gifts through the program. "She really struggled after her divorce to start her own career and finish her education. The biggest thrill for us was when she came in one Christmas and said, "This is the last year we are going to need you. I finally got a great job!" Other families are not as fortunate. Caliva notes, "The success of this program relies solely on the community. For these children, this is the only Christmas they will have."

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