Photo by Brooke Hall
Since 1993, Business Volunteers Unlimited have referred over 90,000 volunteers. Recently, we decided to join them at the Salvation Army for Elf Night, an event that helps ensure that 4,000 children in Baltimore have a Merry Christmas.
On a personal note, over the past year while publishing What Weekly, we’ve been to amazing celebrations and witnessed spectacular performances and exhibitions, that being said, the evening we spent with the good people from the BVU and the Salvation Army ranks right up there with some of our most memorable experiences. I highly recommend donating your time to those who could use a hand. Imagine what would happen if everyone who was capable did so from time to time.
Elf night works like this: Individuals and businesses donate new clothes and toys to the Salvation Army. Families in need register and supply wish lists. The elves, or volunteers as they’re called anywhere outside the North Pole, sort through the piles of brand new toys and clothing and try to match up the wish lists and clothing needs for each family. I have to say I was surprised by how rewarding the experience was and that I felt a real sense of responsibility for what was to end up under a stranger’s tree on Christmas morning.
Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.
Several children accompanied their parents to Elf Night which is a sign that there’s still hope for humanity.
An example of elf diligence.
Not only were we inspired to bring our children to Elf Night, we were inspired to have children so that we could bring them to Elf Night. We’ve been working hard at it all week long. We’ll let you know how it goes.
Jim Dickinson, Director of Community Engagement for the GIVE program at BVU, appeared to be the lead elf for the evening, which might seem highly unlikely since he’s about as tall as three elves stacked on top of one another. But I assure you I speak the truth. His English was surprisingly good for an elf, who are often misrepresented in the media as having high a pitched munchkin-like tenor in their voices. Jim’s voice was much like my own and he proved to be a great wealth of knowledge on all things elf. Jim was a gracious host and a great ambassador for BVU.
Elves could also be found mingling among the racks and piles of clothes, hoping to piece together the perfect ensemble.
Elf love.
Elf friendship.
