It’s one of the most heartwarming events of the year in Suffolk, and it’s one most folks don’t get to see.
This week, the Suffolk Salvation Army Corps wrapped up several days of giving away toys to about 971 families. The parents and guardians came to the Salvation Army’s gymnasium to choose toys they thought their children would like. Some families also received dolls, stuffed stockings and more.
Volunteers walked around with parents and helped them choose toys and pack them up to take home. The entire operation was like a well-oiled machine. But it takes a lot of work all year long to make it happen.
The Salvation Army does much of the heavy lifting — ordering the toys, setting up the toy store and more.
But all of it would not be possible if it were not for the Cheer Fund.
The Cheer Fund is a decades-old project of the Suffolk News-Herald that collects money to be used to purchase the toys handed out by the Salvation Army. Donations large and small are collected from the community — individuals, families, organizations and foundations, not to mention groups of all kinds, ranging from Sunday school classes to office co-workers and even, this year, to a group of regular domino players at a local Hardee’s.
We appreciate all of the donations that have been given so far this year. It’s getting close to Christmas, but it’s not too late to add your donation to this year’s campaign.
Donations to the Cheer Fund are accepted year-round, and this year’s campaign is still ongoing with a goal of $40,000.
To donate to the Cheer Fund, send a check to P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439, or bring it to the newspaper office, 130 S. Saratoga St., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We will list your donation in the newspaper, but it can be marked “anonymous” if you like. Donations may be made in honor of or in memory of someone. If you bring the check to our office, we’ll take your photo as you hand it to one of our staff.
For more information on the Cheer Fund, call 934-9609.