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Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Charlotte County Christmas Parents organization is working extra hard this year to make the holiday season a little brighter for children in need.

“Nothing seems to be immune from COVID-19; not even Christmas Parents,” member Kay Pierantoni said. “Yet we know the pandemic has been hard on everyone, particularly the underprivileged children.” 

According to Pierantoni, there are currently close to 200 children that parents need to provide Christmas gifts.

Unfortunately, the funds needed to make this successful have not yet materialized. 

“Funds are desperately needed now so that plans can be made, and shopping can be done,” Pierantoni said. 

Donations of toys are also being accepted.

Toys are being collected at several locations in the county, including the Dollar General stores in Drakes Branch, Wylliesburg, Keysville, Charlotte Court House, and Phenix; Cruis In Diner in Keysville, Morgan Lumber Company, and at several churches.

Monetary donation can be sent to Charlotte County Christmas Parents, P.O. Box 73, Wylliesburg, VA 23976.

“We will be glad to acknowledge their gift in ‘Memory Of’ or ‘In Honor of’ whomever they wish,” Pierantoni said. “If they prefer to remain anonymous, we will honor that request.” 

Currently, the distribution date for toys will be Saturday, Dec. 12, and Pierantoni said parents would be notified of further details by text or phone call. 

At one time, the Charlotte County Christmas Parents served seven counties and has been in operation for over 20 years.

The organization was not able to provide gifts for children in 2018 but did so in 2019. Over the years, the organization, run entirely by volunteers, has provided toys and even clothes for hundreds of children who would not otherwise have anything under the Christmas tree.