Impact Suffolk's food giveaway helps 1,000

More than 1,000 Suffolk families were aided by Impact Suffolk’s Thanksgiving Food Give Away on Nov. 19. Organizations, churches, schools and everyday folks collected the food for the program. But volunteers were needed for the Saturday morning distribution. The Kids Caring for Kids Club of King’s Fork Middle School had the chance to learn firsthand what serving the community means. They were part of the early morning set-up and stayed until everything was gone. They helped with standing in line, carrying food to people’s cars, and made sure everyone got a smile. When all was said and done, the kids enthusiastically asked club sponsor, sixth-grade history teacher Hope Bradshaw, when they might get to do this again. They don’t want to wait a whole year to feel the reward of giving and helping others.

Today is the deadline for entries in Suffolk’s first annual Neighborhood Decorating Contest. Borough judging is Friday and then online voting for the People’s Choice award will run from Dec. 16-18. Check out all the details at www.suffolkva.us and be sure to put your two cents into the voting. If you have any last-minute questions the person you need to contact is Dawn Evans at 514-4000 or levans@suffolkva.us with Holiday Decorating Contest in the subject line. I’ll be tracking down some of the winning entries to share with readers.

I had a full slate of local craft shows on my calendar for Dec. 3. When you visit these as often as I do, the unique, new and special items always stand out. At the Chuckatuck Fire Station, horse owner Michelle Justice with 2CowgirlsPrinting had an assortment of T-shirts with attractive horse themes. She had a little sign about donating $1 of every sale to Diamonds in the Rough. I inquired about that and learned it’s a horse rescue farm in Windsor. Besides needing donations for their more than 40 horses, they are also anxious for volunteers. If owning your own horse is not practical at this point in your life, maybe being an equine helper would suffice. Learn more about this organization at http://adoptditr.org/donate/ or call 846-6076.

At Founders Pointe Marketplace in nearby Carrollton, I happened upon Phyllis Moore’s holiday wreaths. Phyllis is a Riverfront resident and certified floral designer. Specializing in weddings, she has branched out to make her clients’ homes sparkle - whether for a special occasion or the holidays. She will even do the decorating if you’re in a real pinch. See some of Phyllis’s work and contact information on her Facebook page. I was also impressed with Alyson Miles photography. She is a Founders Point resident with a photography business. While you may have oodles of digital family photos, maybe you’d like to have a real family portrait. Alyson is a local gal who may just wow you. View her offerings at milesstonesphotography.com.

Time moves so quickly for me these days it seems remarkable that Creekside Elementary School has been in existence for 6 years already. The number of graduates who have been around since kindergarten is a record this year, 53. Often, a yearbook committee and administration make decisions on the yearbook cover design. But, this year they’re hoping to begin a cover contest tradition. After a two-week entry period, fifth-graders made the selection among three finalists. Ashlyn Naylor’s design won the honor and will be the first student-designed yearbook cover. She’ll end up with a free volume for her efforts.

More than 200 folks showed up for an all-day fundraiser in Driver to help Scott Toney in his battle with lymphoma. Scott is an Army Desert Storm veteran, engineer and locally-known fitness instructor. Organizer Amy Wright said more than $4,000 was cleared after expenses. Amy has been one of Scott’s fitness students, and a devotee of his simple goodness in believing in people when they can’t believe in themselves. His tumors have shrunk, but not his medical expenses. If you are looking for a useful place for an end-of-year good Samaritan donation, stop by a Towne Bank branch. They’ll be happy to assist you in aiding Scott with this disease.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Let me know at k.billue@charter.net.   

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