Archives

Brister is  Honorary Christmas Parent; Toy Day Set for This Saturday 

   Written by on December 10, 2015 at 1:22 pm

KEYSVILLE – Judy Brister of Keysville has been named this year’s Honorary Christmas Parent.

Brister and her late husband, Bill, have been a huge part of the Southside Christmas Parents organization since its beginning. “I was very surprised,” said Brister. “It is a true honor.”

Judy Brister

Judy Brister

The Southside Christmas Parents was started in 1997 by Rev. Larry Davies as a way to give children toys on Christmas morning who may not otherwise receive them. “When I started Christmas Parents years ago, I was a preacher with an idea and hope. I wanted to provide Christmas for children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to enjoy the blessings that so many of us take for granted. Several people passionately believed in that idea and worked tirelessly to carry it out. Two of them were Bill and Judy Brister,” explained Davies.  “I am thrilled that Judy is being honored for the work that was begun long ago and continues to this day.”

    Each year the organization selects an individual that has had an impact on the lives of the children within Charlotte County. Brister is one of those individuals who has given much of her time over the years because she has such a love for children. According to Brister, she and Bill once fostered children. “Bill loved kids,” she said. “We both love kids and always wanted to help them.”

When Rev. Davies moved away from Charlotte County, Judy and Bill chaired the Southside Christmas Parents organization for several years. The two could even be seen delivering toys to parents’ homes after hours who were not able to come to the annual December Toy Day. “Judy reminds me of Ms. Claus–a little round face that’s always smiling and hands eager to help those in need,” said Linda Guill, co-chairperson of the Southside Christmas Parent. “Judy and Bill have given so much to the organization.”

According to Guill, for parents to take advantage of the Toy Day, the organization uses the same scale as the SNAP Program guidelines. “We do consider those above that income based on events in their lives at present. Example, fire victims, sudden illness of primary caregiver, inmates, etc.,” Guill explained.

Last year The Southside Christmas Parents provided toys to 452 children and hopes to increase that to 500 children this season. The organization works throughout the year holding numerous fundraising  events and seeks donations to help make the Toy Day possible.

    This year Toy Day will be at the Randolph-Henry High School gym on December 12.

During the Toy Day, parents can pick out for toys for their children. Each child receives three new toys including clothes, and several previously loved items, a stocking according to age and books that are appropriate for their age thatare are donated by the Charlotte County Literacy Center.

For more info on the Southside Christmas Parent Program, contact Linda Guill at (434) 736-9817.

Leave a Reply