“Lakewood Cares!” – What a great name the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has for its Christmas project benefiting less-fortunate families in our immediate area.
The Lakewood Christmas drive was started in 1984 as a way for business and residents of Lakewood and near East Dallas to help our community.
Needy families are identified through social workers at our neighborhood schools. These families receive toys for children, new and gently worn clothes for the entire family, canned goods, furniture, bedding, and what former Chamber President Eloise Sherman said was most important – fresh oranges and apples.
In addition, donations from Sam’s Club and cash contributions allow the Chamber to purchase frozen smoked turkeys for the families.
Due to a high level of involvement, the program has grown tremendously over the years. During last year’s drive, approximately 500 people received food, clothing, toys and household items.
This year, due to increase needs, our goal is to assist more deserving families and children.
For people not acquainted with the Chamber’s activities, a quick review of how we work together to accomplish this small feat is in order.
Wonderfully decorated boxes will adorn in business fronts and call out to “fill me up!” The boxes will be at: Bank One Texas, 6310 E. Mockingbird; Tom Thumb Food Store, 6333 E. Mockingbird at Abrams; Minyard Food Store, 2118 Abrams at Gaston; Glo Cleaning, 2117 Abrams; Fidelity Bank (formerly Texas Community Bank), 1824 Abrams Parkway; Lakewood Country Club, 6430 Gaston; Wyatt’s Cafeteria, 1905 Abrams Parkway; First Interstate Bank/Lakewood, 6301 Gaston; and NationsBank/Lakewood, 6215 Gaston.
The boxes will be put out Wednesday, Nov. 22, for donations.
For six nights before Christmas, elves (a.k.a. Lakewood Chamber volunteers) will sort and pack items at the Chamber’s office. Then, the finale…delivery of the items.
The following is a suggested list of items you can donate: non-perishable food, such as canned or boxed goods; clothing (new or gently worn), such as sweatshirts, T-shirts, pajamas, underwear, socks, mittens and hats; toys for children such as books, games, puzzles, clay and building sets; gifts for teens, such as books, sporting goods, watches, jewelry, barrettes, cosmetics, pens, pencils and notepads; toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste; and household items (new or used), such as blankets, sheets, towels, pot and pans, vacuum cleaners, furniture, mattresses, and baby equipment. If you are donating used items, please make sure the items are clean.
Enchanted Forest Books for Children, 6333 E. Mockingbird, Suite 231, also is participating in the Chamber’s Christmas drive by sponsoring a Giving Tree Dec. 1-14. If you buy a book for a specific child on the tree, you receive a 40-percent discount. The store will wrap and deliver your book to the Chamber office free of charge.
You can make arrangements with the Chamber if you have large items to be picked up. Or, if you wish to make a cash donation to be used for perishable foods – such as fruit, vegetables and turkeys – send your check to the Lakewood Chamber at P.O. Box 140685, Dallas 75214.
Giving back to our community by donating goods to less-fortunate families will help us all experience the true meaning of Christmas.
Please call the Chamber office at 827-8921 with your questions. Thanks for your help.
