Heather Bell
RADFORD – Radford Elf Shelf has been helping families have a merry Christmas for decades, and the organization is gearing up for this year’s effort.
There are two dates left for families to sign up to receive gifts for children up to age 18 (18-year-olds must be Radford High School students) and food vouchers for the family, and there is still time for the community to donate time gifts and funds to help.
Last year Radford Elf Shelf provided gifts for 352 children with an additional 42 food-only vouchers given out.
“Any Radford family or individual who meets the federal 200 percent poverty level guidelines receives a food voucher to Food Lion grocery store based on their family size. They will receive new toys and books for their children under the age of 18. Clients register to shop during November, and they will come to Grove UM Church at scheduled intervals to shop in December,” the organization announced.
Remaining screenings for Radford Elf Shelf are Monday, Nov. 18, 3 – 6 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 25, 2 – 5 p.m. at Grove United Methodist Church on Tyler Avenue. Be sure to bring your necessary documents with you to the screening. For more information, please visit www.RadfordElfShelf.org
Applications will only be accepted with the following verifications for each applicant: Photo ID of applicant, proof of address (September or October bill with current Radford address), proof of financial eligibility (verification of social service benefits for the family or four weeks of current pay stubs for each employed family member) and Social Security cards or birth certificate for everyone in the home. Any income-eligible Radford family/person receives a food voucher.
Support from the community is also needed.
Radford Elf Shelf will need volunteers to set up, clean up, and help parents with shopping. The Elf Shelf will set up on Tuesday, Dec. 3, Wednesday, Dec. 4, and Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Distribution will be Friday, Dec 6, and Saturday, Dec 7. Clean up will be on Saturday, Dec 7. If you or your group can help with any of these areas, please contact Dana Dehart at dwdehart02@gmail.com.
Donating new toys in boxes left in various banks, churches, and schools around town is also a great way to help. Toys and gifts need to be placed in boxes by Dec 3, 2024. Also, monetary donations may be mailed to: Radford Elf Shelf, P. O. Box 2804, Radford, VA 24143.
For more information, go to www.RadfordElfShelf.org.