By Heather Bell
RADFORD – Many Radford children will have gifts under the Christmas tree this year thanks to Radford Elf Shelf, the program that has been helping Radford families for decades.
“This year we served 156 families with 380 children,” said Margaret Sproule, the new Elf Shelf director. “Each child received $75 worth of new toys plus additional bonus items – like books, games and stocking stuffers. Each family received a voucher to the Radford Food Lion plus a bag of household necessity items.
“In addition to families with children we also provided food vouchers and household necessities to 75 older adults in need,” she added.
Sproule is taking over the reins of Elf Shelf from Ann Walker, who has led the program for more than 20 years.
“I was Elf Shelf director for 22 years, and each year held special moments of seeing sincere generosity and gratefulness,” said Walker. “Our volunteers looked forward to helping and it was clear that Elf Shelf was a blessing to those who gave as well as to those who received. It was always exciting and fulfilling to be part of this Christmas effort that touched the lives of many in such a joyful way.”
Sproule said she is excited for the future of the program.
“I have enjoyed working with Elf Shelf,” said Sproule. “It is incredibly rewarding, and I hope to be as good a steward of the program as Ann has been. There are a lot of moving pieces, and I am so reliant on and thankful for our board and all the community volunteers.”
Several transitions in positions have taken place this year for Elf Shelf, with Dana DeHart replacing Cheryl Loving as Volunteer Coordinator and Kelly Morris and Debbie Carlton replaced Delores Smith and Palma Clark as Book Chairmen.
“It is a joy to know that Elf Shelf is in such capable and compassionate hands,” said Walker.
To help with Elf Shelf’s efforts, monetary donations may be mailed to: Radford Elf Shelf, P.O. Box 2804, Radford, VA 24143. For more information, go to www.RadfordElfShelf.org.
