Santa Pal Inc. Embarks On 82nd Year Of Service

By Dr. Jim Messimer and Tammy Henkel

Santa Pal Inc. is embarking on its 82nd year of service in Bristol Tenn./Va. and select areas of Sullivan County. The mission of our organization is to enrich and make a difference in the lives of less fortunate local children by offering a variety of family-oriented programs and community support that builds a positive self image and a sense of belonging.  Santa Pal, Inc. accomplishes this mission by providing a service to families when times are difficult financially, and by providing a service to children through the gift of joy in their heart on Christmas morning. We place special emphasis on preparing children for their future and encouraging family involvement throughout the year with regular correspondence. Santa Pal, Inc. is determined to overcome financial challenges faced this year and to uphold the historical success of this program. Santa Pal is very grateful to those who have adopted children and to those who have made contributions. We encourage adopters and contributors to step forward and partner with us to continue caring for the children of our community.

The program has experienced immediate cuts and without your help, children in need may go without. Unless contributors come forward to fund the program, there will not be Christmas dinner food baskets for qualifying families. This year Santa Pal, Inc. may not be able to purchase gift cards for the children who are not adopted.

In years past, the program has committed to serving 600 children each year on a first come first, served basis. In 2007, Santa Pal, Inc. served 460 children; 164 were served through adoptions and 296 were served through Kmart gift cards that allowed their parents to shop for their own child. There are no funds to purchase gift cards for the 2008 Christmas season. Kmart has once again graciously agreed to continue working with us, but the purchase process will change. We will pay in advance for what we can afford.

It is up to the community to help us keep this program alive by supporting through adoptions and contributions. The community must take the lead in order for the program to serve every child who qualifies. This year, if there are no funds to purchase gift cards, children who are not adopted will have to be added to the list for 2009.

We challenge the community to assist Santa Pal, Inc. in spreading the word about this program’s desperate need for this year and possibly years to come.

Santa Pal Inc. is managed by a dedicated, volunteer board of directors. The board is pleased to announce that United Way of Bristol is undertaking the banking management of contributions.

We cannot express how grateful we are to the United Way of Bristol for their willingness to collaborate with us.

We hope you will take the time to help children on Christmas day. It is going to take strong and committed partnerships to keep this program established this year.

We need your support and we encourage you to contact us about how this program intends to move forward on a positive note. Letters may be sent to Santa Pal, Inc., PO Box 212, Bristol, Va. 24203.

We invite you to join us to serve as many children as possible for the 2008 Christmas season.

Tammy Henkel, Santa Pal Inc. board of director secretary

Dr. Jim Messimer, Santa Pal Inc. board of director president

Editor’s note: Messimer and Henkel have served on the Santa Pal Board of Directors for six years and are initial directors of this board.