Southside Christmas Parents Give the Gift of Glee to Families in Need

For the 16th consecutive year, the Southside Christmas Parents Inc. is bringing holiday joy to local children and their families.

This past Saturday, the Randolph-Henry High School gym was transformed into a real-life Toyland with items that included dolls, trucks, clothing, books and more! All in the name of the Christmas spirit.

“It’s our goal that no child goes without on Christmas morning,” said Linda Guill, Co-Chair of the Southside Christmas Parents. Each qualifying child receives three gifts (big and small) in addition to a stocking, books and as much as they would like from the “previously loved” section.

The Southside Christmas Parents is a 501c3 non-profit organization made up solely of volunteers who are dedicated to helping the local children during the Christmas season. Each year, nominations are sent in from members of the community to select an individual that has gone above and beyond helping children throughout the year. The Southside Christmas Parents then vote on an “Honorary Christmas Parent.”

This year, Ms. Virginia Dailey was chosen as the “Honorary Christmas Parent” for 2013. Ms. Dailey is dedicated to working with the children of her church, as well as being very active in the Christmas Parents organization. “For someone to give from the heart is beyond words,” stated the nomination letter that was received recognizing Dailey for her dedication.

While items are currently still being given out, a total of 523 children were served last year through the Southside Christmas Parents organization.