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Vanceburg View
An Update From the Director
of Glenmary's Volunteer Office
December 2006
December—not necessarily a slower time!
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Collin Smith, Eileen Smith and Joe Grosek setting up for Project Merry Christmas in 2005. |
As Christmas approaches, I am often asked if things slow down for me in the office and the community during December—a time when I’m usually finished with traveling, meetings and conferences. Although the Glenmary Farm does not have many groups in December, I always tell people that the Christmas season is a busy one for the Farm managers and for me! (To get the Farm manager perspective, read Jill Collet's reflection.)
Project Merry Christmas keeps us very busy! It’s an annual event of the ministerial alliance that distributes toys and food vouchers to families and individuals in need in Lewis County. Last year Sister Joseph Fillenwarth asked me to take over her duties for this year. It’s a lot work, she said, and thought it would be unfair to give it all to Michele Bertot, the new pastoral coordinator for Holy Redeemer Parish. I accepted, and in the last few months I’ve learned just how much behind-the-scenes work goes into Project Merry Christmas.
I knew I was in for a challenge, but I love Project Merry Christmas and was happy to take on Sister Jo’s responsibilities. The biggest change this year, though, came with the creation of an interagency council for Lewis County. The interagency council was able to eliminate duplication of services between the many different programs that provide toys and food for those in need in Lewis County. We have shared names of those who apply for the various programs, so for 2006 we’re cooperating so that all families in the county can be served for the Christmas season.
As the distribution date for Project Merry Christmas approaches (December 19), I am happy to report that things are looking good for 2006. We have set aside about 250 food vouchers; we plan to distribute 100 gift bags for people in the local nursing home and, at last count, we are giving toys to 260 children. We also plan to give blankets and clothing to adults.
Lending a Helping Hand. In addition to their work on Project Merry Christmas, the Farm managers have worked extremely hard with Lending a Helping Hand, an outreach program in Tollesboro, Ky. It will give over 220 food boxes to those in need in the county during the Christmas season. Lending a Helping Hand also operates a used clothing store, and the managers have worked there I have been assigned the role of “Lead Box Transporter” for the program.
So, as you can see, Christmas keeps us as busy as ever at the Farm! I hope everyone can spend time with family as well as spend some time serving those in need in your community. Merry Christmas!
Joe Grosek
Glenmary Volunteer Director
jgrosek@glenmary.org
And
if you missed previous Vanceburg Views,
check them out.
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