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December 27, 2009

Anonymous The Randolph Guide Sun Dec 27, 2009, 01:35 PM EST

Each year the Lord gives us a challenge and this year was no different. Our location for our dinner and gift distribution was our ’09 challenge. We called many places and had some options but nothing seemed to work out for the accommodations we needed. We prayed as we made calls each day, and as we’ve learned during the past nine Christmases, “God likes to work when nothing else will.” There was something telling us to stop skipping over this specific phone number on our list and call. We asked. They said yes and the rest is now history. The willingness of the Central United Methodist Church family and staff to be a part of what we do and to help us in our endeavors has been a blessing. Thank you and God bless each of you and your families.

Another project in 2009 was for all the local organizations that provide Christmas for children to partner in order to find a way to serve more during these tough economic times. Operation Red Sleigh’s Vice President Zach Ausband created a shared web-based program that allowed us to do just that. Between all of these local agencies we’ve been able serve over 2100 children at the time of this printing. Thank you to Zach for making that possible and to Christmas Cheer, Salvation Army, DSS Foster Care, the individual schools and Toys for Tots for being a partner in this process. It had been great to see each of us crossing lines to help each other with the ultimate goal.

On behalf of Operation Red Sleigh Inc., we want to thank those who have helped us pray about the needs (and wants) of over 374 children in Randolph County. It is a year-long process, so whether you donated an item, gave a discount for purchases or made a monetary donation, held or participated in a fundraiser or volunteered your time or services to help with any event or project during the year, you all are an important part of why our “cause” came to fruition, and we couldn’t do it without you each year. During 2009, there were so many volunteers for different events, and sometimes, we never knew your name, but it is always heartwarming when people walk up and say, “Just tell me what you need me to do.” “We are like a box of crayons: each of us unique, but when we get together, the picture is complete!”

Now the 2010 fundraising begins. You can keep up with our progress and events or make donations on our website, www.operationredsleigh.com. Can’t give financially? Give the gift of a prayer or your time and volunteer somewhere in your community. It may only be a small thing you do, but it could make a difference in someone’s life. Next year, it could be any one of us in the position of need. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Amanda Varner

President , Operation Red Sleigh Inc.

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