Community Volunteer Connections Gear Up for Annual Christmas Cheer Hamper Drive
Posted by John Borst
on Nov 27, 2013
Peggy Howard, Executive Director of Dryden’s Community Volunteer Connections (CVC) gave Dryden Rotary a brief overview of the organization at the November 13th meeting.
The organization separated from Dryden District Association for Community Living in 1990 to become a stand-alone corporation.CVC has three sub groups: Community Volunteers, Volunteer Income Tax preparations, and Christmas Cheer.
Christmas Cheer was originally started by local churches and had its headquarters in the former Sounds of Music building at the corner of King and Earl. Presently, Christmas Cheer operates out of 250 Duke Street which is where people come to pick up their hampers.
In 1991, 170 hampers were handed out. By 2012 this had grown to 355 serving some 379 children. Each hamper will have a turkey or ham, gift for any children under 16, gift cards for older children and families, along with other goodies.
Each year the community and businesses are canvassed in the fall for financial support. Food and cash is collected by CKDR at the Christmas parade, by Dryden Police services with their “Stuff a Cruiser” campaign, and the Ice Dogs with their teddy bear throw.
This year, like last year, they are also offering the opportunity for families or individuals to support a family.
Over 50 volunteers are involved with getting everything ready for recipients who span the area from Dyment in the east to Vermilion Bay in the west. Families must apply for the hampers.