It all started nearly 20 years ago when a few Verandah women got to together to help a local family that was struggling to have Christmas for their kids. Fast forward to today, and that small house party has grown to hundreds of Verandah residents volunteering and raising money to provide presents and meals for over 100 children and their families every year.
“What makes Visions of Sugar Plums unique is our dedication to “adopting” the whole family,” said Sharon Coburn, President. “We call every family to learn about each child, and try to create a wish list that will make their dreams come true. Most of these children have never had new clothes with tags on them, or a pair of shoes not previously worn. It truly is a community supported effort. These Moms, who haven’t been given a gift for years, each receive a beautiful blanket made by our own Sew and Sews.”
Each season starts off with a festive cocktail party at the club where donations are collected and members can sign up for a variety of tasks including shopping for gifts and food, wrapping, and delivering to the families. Volunteers are given families’ wish lists and money from the donations collected at the cocktail party to shop and wrap with friends!
“Planning and being at the event is great fun, but the best part is that we get to make a difference. It is so special that we help our ownpeople, the children of the Verandah staff who are in need, first and foremost,” said Eva Fix, Vice President. “We then reach out to local schools, outreach programs, and groups like the Salvation Army to identify families in need.”
Providing a healthy holiday meal is an important part of the Sugar Plums’ mission. Volunteers work with local and national groceries, like Publix and Winn Dixie, to purchase the fixings for a special holiday meal. They also provide food for lunches while the children are home from school. This group shops the BOGOs for weeks and then store the food for distribution.
Delivery day is usually a day or two before Christmas and requires a great deal of planning and organization. “Sandie Pearl, is our distribution coordination queen,” added Sharon, “handling this responsibility flawlessly year after year.”
Visions of Sugar Plums became a 501(c)3 nonprofit several years ago. In addition to Sharon who serves as President, this amazing group of miracle workers includes: Eva Fix, Vice-President, Sandie Pearl, Secretary, Dr. Kelly Lowe, Treasurer, and committee heads – Jackie Bogle, Carol Laprade, Stephanie Newman, and Audrey Schmitt. The food committee is led by Debbie Prentice, assisted by Cathy Savage and Kathleen Macko.
“I love being part of the Sugar Plums,” said Jackie Bogle, Committee Chair. “I believe families that have so little may feel that they have been forgotten. If the residents of Verandah can bring joy and hope into someone’s life we as a community have accomplished our mission. We are blessed if we can give back and make a difference.”
Come out and join your neighbors and friends on November 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 in the Riverhouse. You can register on the event page on Verandah Life.
