By Linda Barcus, F293643
March 2013
On December 1, 2012, members of the Cenois Prairielanders chapter had their annual Christmas party at Shannon’s Five Star Restaurant in Bloomington, Illinois. During this gathering, we also held our second annual Christmas gift exchange for Toys for Tots.
Prior to beginning this endeavor in 2011, each chapter member would bring a $10 to $20 gift to the Christmas party, which would be exchanged with a gift brought by another member. Often the gift we received — it either couldn’t be used or just wasn’t liked — would be passed on to someone else. I’m certain nearly everyone has received these types of gifts at holiday gatherings through the years.
So the chapter enthusiastically decided to continue the gift exchange, but we added a twist. Instead of buying something for another chapter member, we would purchase a gift for a child, and ultimately the gift would be donated to the Toys for Tots program. We each still buy a gift — men buy for boys and women buy for girls — and wrap it in pretty paper, then play a game to see which gift will be ours. When we open presents, there is still an element of surprise, but now the gift is passed along to a needy child. We are all happy to be doing this, and it sure seems that we spend a bit more now knowing that a child will be the recipient.
After the party, hosts Richard and Joyce Jones delivered the gifts to the local Toys for Tots program in Bartonville, Illinois. Since undertaking this program, we all feel good knowing that our gifts will help bring a happier Christmas for area children.
Next year, think about your chapter’s Christmas gift exchange and consider our suggestion to buy gifts for kids that will then be donated to Toys for Tots. I guarantee you’ll get that warm, fuzzy feeling, too.
The Cenois Prairielanders chapter meets in central Illinois once a month, April through October, and always has a welcome mat out for new members. If you would like more information about the chapter, contact president Terry Walker at twwalk@aol.com, or secretary Roberta Williams at mapawms@aol.com.