Santa’s workshop may be located at the North Pole, but you can become one of his helpers much closer to home by volunteering with the Richmond Christmas Fund.
Each holiday season, the Christmas Fund, a program of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, distributes grocery vouchers to nearly 2,000 low-income Richmond residents and provides over 700 children under 18 with toys, books, and gift cards. Last year, nearly 200 volunteers contributed over 3000 hours to the program, assisting with family registration, toy distribution, data entry, gift wrapping, and fundraising events.
“Volunteers are the heart of the Richmond Christmas Fund,” says Ed Gavsie, executive director of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives. “The passion and enthusiasm they bring to their work is nothing short of inspiring. It really makes you believe in the spirit of Christmas.”
Volunteer opportunities are available as toy room assistants, toy sorters, and data entry assistants. There are also many openings for gift wrappers, who, throughout December, provide the service at local malls in exchange for donations to the Christmas Fund.
“It’s thanks to every one of our amazing volunteers that Christmas is brighter for low-income families in Richmond,” says Gavsie. “Without their dedication and commitment, the Christmas Fund would not be able to provide the positive impact it has on the local community.”
People of all ages are invited to volunteer, though those under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Training will take place from mid-October to late November. To apply for a volunteer position with the Christmas Fund, visit volunteer.rcrg.org or call 604-279-7035.
The Richmond Christmas Fund mobilizes the community’s spirit of giving to make holiday wishes come true for nearly 2,000 low-income Richmond residents each year. Each person registered with the program receives a grocery gift certificate. Children under 18 also receive new toys, books and gift cards.
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) is a non-profit agency that serves as a hub for volunteering and giving.
