Spreading Christmas with CHEER
Approximately 375 volunteers converged on the CHEER Center at 546 S. Bedford St., Ext. in Georgetown on Christmas morning to load up with a meal for each person on their routes, which included 243 homes. CHEER Executive Director Kenneth Bock said each resident received a hot turkey meal, a fruit basket, two wrapped gifts provided by individuals and partner Kmart’s Giving Tree, a handmade holiday card from local schools, a poinsettia from a local FFA group, and a hearty holiday hello from drivers.
“Many volunteers make it a part of their holiday tradition,” said Bock, “and families will do it together and hand it down through the generations.”
Brian Moyer has participated for 7 years. “I have been helped by so many generous people in my life and I find it rewarding to help others,” said Moyer, a recently retired military service member. He said he’s so touched by the people he visits that “it will make a grown man cry.” This year he brought along the youngest member of the family, Evan, who created personalized ornaments for each home.
Sisters Sharon Owens and Janet Lank decided to take over the tradition for their father, Albert Lank, who passed away earlier this year. He delivered Christmas Day meals, gifts and cheer for almost 30 years. They enlisted family members Katie Joseph and Kim Owens to help them with the deliveries.
Following a dirt road into the woods near Wagamons Pond in Milton, the family was greeted by Dorothy Reed from the deck of her home. After pointing out the view of the pond and describing the wildlife in the surrounding woods, she invited the group in to her warm home where her husband Fred Reed sat in the living room.
A small Christmas tree was in the corner surrounded by photos of their family who they would visit later in the day. Fred began opening his gifts right away and was pleased about getting a pair of warm house slippers and said he could certainly use them. Dorothy decided to wait to open her gifts and treats until later. After wishing the Reeds Merry Christmas, the Lank crew headed on to their next delivery.
The CHEER volunteers held true to their name by spreading Christmas cheer throughout Sussex County.
