Beckley, WV (WOAY): “I’m giving of myself, and that’s what God put me here for,” said Julia Long, secretary of the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary, in front of shelves stuffed with toys.
The Friends of Coal Ladies’ Auxiliary Giving Hearts program provides gift bags of toys, clothes, and food for over 2,000 children, teens, and families in need across West Virginia. Ladies’ Auxiliary Chair Regina Fairchild says each family receives enough food to last two weeks, including a Christmas ham and basics like a can opener and laundry detergent.
“Each child receives new pajamas, a new coat, new gloves, a beanie, and we try to supply them with either 6 to 8 toys, and those are new toys.”
And just like Santa’s workshop, the ladies work the whole year round to bring a little magic to the holiday season and give a little help whenever it’s needed. Fairchild says the donations the Auxiliary manages also serve flood victims and those who go through unexpected losses like house fires.
“And of course, we help the military, those that are deployed,” said Secretary Julia Long, “grandma and granddaddy oftentimes have to take care because mom and dad are both gone.”
Fairchild added, “…especially up north. We have a lot of deployed military because West Virginia is all about giving back and the military.”
While the ladies give their time to make it possible. The Giving Hearts program can only reach so many children thanks to donations, which Auxiliary member Nancy Gentry says are always needed:
“It’s just unbelievable, the support that we get from the community, and we rely heavily on it.”
Fairchild says any donations of new toys, clothes, or money are always appreciated and help West Virginia families.
“Our giveaway is December the 11th. We’d like to receive those starting now as soon as possible. They can be dropped off each day of the week, 8:00 in the morning till 5:00 in the evening. We’ll accept those gifts, and we would be so appreciative.”
Donations received after the giveaway date will support next year’s Giving Hearts giveaway. To give and learn more, visit friendsofcoalladies.com or call 304-255-1457 Ext. 20.
