Despite economy, Central Virginians donate record amount to Santa Fund

By Bryan McKenzie

Published: January 9, 2009

Central Virginians opened their hearts and their wallets this year to the 115-year-old Santa Fund charity, donating a record $140,233.60, more than $40,000 above the charity’s $100,000 goal.

Backed by The Daily Progress and WINA-AM and administered by the United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area, the fund gives its holiday dollars to children for shoes, coats, clothes, medicine and other needs. It was established in 1884.

Last year, people in Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange counties, as well as Charlottesville, gave more than $129,000 to the fund, setting the previous record.

“We’re really impressed and grateful to the community for their generosity,” said Shaele Wood, of the United Way. “I think people really understood that the need this year is even greater and that these are difficult times for people.”

The Santa Fund serves children from kindergarteners to high school seniors. When school officials identify children who may have need of the fund, the officials contact the United Way, which arranges vouchers for use at local retailers, including Belk, Dollar General, Kmart, Marshalls, Roses and T.J. Maxx.

“We couldn’t do it without the stores,” Wood said. “A lot of times the manager of the store will shop with the family and they can choose something the kids want, as well as need. The stores have been very generous to us.”

The Santa Fund collects its donations at a busy time, competing with the Toy Lift, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, the Thomas Jefferson Area Food Bank and other organizations. Wood said that, while they may jockey for dollars, the charity organizations work together to serve the community.

“There are a lot of programs out there to help children and the Santa Fund is there to help those children who fall between gaps in services,” Wood said.

Wood noted that other charities, including the Toy Lift, received near-record or record donations this year.

“People know people who have been laid off or lost their jobs and I think they really understand that it can happen to anybody at any time,” Wood said. “I think they’ve been reaching into their pockets because they really want to help their neighbors and they realize it could be them looking for help.”

The Santa Fund accepts donations all year long and will add any additional contributions to next year’s totals.

From Wahoo, Dixie, Sprite and Lucy, $100

In memory of Robert Sansom from Bernard J. Cooney, Class of 1964, United States Air

Force Academy, $75

In memory of Bebo, $78

With love from Maggie, $100

Given in memory of Judy McKean from Mary Kirwan, $150

From Park View at South Pantops, $350

Anonymous, $2,000

Samuel and Cynthea Caughron, $100

In memory of George Spence, $400

In loving memory of Al and Myrtle Noraker and Charles McGihon from their children Ron and Norma McGihon of Chantilly, $100

In memory of Zadie D. Martin, $100

Standish Family Foundation, $1,000

In memory of Robert L. Sansom, who passed away on Dec. 21, 2008, $100

Harry A. Wright’s Inc., $100

Sam, Jack and Daniel, $80

To my friends at Jordan and Darden. Thanks for the precious memories. Rennie D. Scott, $20

In memory of Bob Sansom from Wendi Powell and Amy Smith, $100

The Keith and Carole Frazee Family Fund, $300

Anonymous, $200

In memory of Duke from Slim and Pumpkin, $500

In loving memory of RRR, MHR, CWT, MST, $100

From MASON, $10

In loving memory of Downing Cox Jr., $25

Eleanor Blattmann, $25

In honor of Dr. Roy Thomas, $75

In memory of Paba/Papa Tom from Megan, Ellie, Cammy, Tori, Noah, Caleb, Chrissy, Ben,

and Andrew, $150

In memory of Robert L. Sansom, $100

In memory of Robert Sansom, $25

From Vannessa Ann, $25

In memory of loved ones, $100

In honor and memory of Robert Sansom, $250

In honor of Abby Kirsch from Bel and Zed, $25

In memory of Rosa Lee and Maga Morris with love from Thelma and family, $20

Ernest O. Pugh, $60

Robert and Celia Belton, $15

In memory of Bill Faust Sr., $200

In memory of Barbara D. Thomas, Ruth and Cliff Kennedy, and Bob Thomas Jr., $200

Anonymous, $100

In memory of my father, $25

In memory of Hazel Tynan, $50

Sherry Comer, $25

In memory of George, $300

Anonymous, $25

Stephan and Barbara Nelson, $25

Anonymous, $50

TODAY’S TOTAL: $7,958

TOTAL TO DATE: $140,233.60

GOAL: $100,000

OVER GOAL BY: $40, 233.60