Volunteer Work - Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway

PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION!!

I'm going to try not to go on forever about this event, but it's super special to me. While I have missed some years here and there, I have been volunteering at this event since I was a little kid. It can be a very emotionally challenging day, as you see just how many families out there are struggling. But it is also one of the most fulfilling and magical days you will experience. It's sort of hard to put into words how you feel while you're there.

You can read on the website more if you'd like to, but to give a brief overview of what this day is about- years ago, Bob Telmosse started the giveaway to help families in need around the holidays. He did not want anyone to have to provide proof that they needed help. If they said they needed help, that was enough for him. Bob has since passed away, but his family has continued the annual giveaway to help those in need around the holidays. Leading up to the annual event, donations are accepted to giveaway to the families on the day of the event. This ranges from toys and books for kids, to ham, turkey, potatoes, etc. for a holiday meal. Little kids are able to go into "Olivia's Corner" without their parents and pick out a present that is wrapped for them to take home and their parents can open Christmas day. (I usually volunteer in this area- the kids are so cute and so excited to be able to take a present home to their parents!) There are clothes, gloves, hats, shoes. I've seen dentists there doing simple dental stuff. Santa is there of course, and therapy dogs, and sometimes therapy ponies. And one of the most awesome parts is the bikes. Hundreds of new or gently used bikes are sent home with kids (they usually have some type of raffle for the kids to win, but many years almost every kid gets to take a bike home!) This is a big event and there are many families that show up. You will talk to kids that say their parents made them camp out in line overnight. Before they open, the line is usually wrapped around the building. It's a big deal for these families.

So...VERY long way of saying, this day is awesome! It's a great way to help the community and it REALLY gets you in the holiday spirit. I have signed up for Olivia's Corner, from the 845-11am time slot. Please feel free to join me there, or sign up in another area. I can answer any questions you may have about the work in the other areas if it isn't clear. We will meet beforehand, and join the orientation that happens first. They do provide drinks, snacks, and lunch for the volunteers as well. Fun holiday attire is encouraged, but in no way required. It's just another way to make the day fun for the families that are there for support.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!! Spots fill up quickly, so please sign up as soon as you can!! If you have RSVP'D to the event, I will check your registration on their website. If you have not registered, I will change your RSVP. You must be fully committed to this day, so only RSVP after you have registered!!

Again, I have registered for the 845-11 slot in Olivia's Corner.

https://www.santa-bob.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF2CN1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbT13qLZEAjnvqFLz6b2V6YC3QvWJp8Gs05n1cKviCjvKu6_KZHMaAHrEg_aem_EgwbcqRjCk8aXo8PSsIWbA