Local elves grant 185 children’s Christmas wishes

WAYNESBOBO – A dozen elves roamed the shopping aisles at Walmart Dec. 7 to fulfill the Christmas wishes of 185 local children.

The group included members of the Rotary Club of Waynesboro and other volunteers for the annual Toys for Children effort in partnership with Waynesboro Community and Human Services.

The project began decades ago and continues to be a “soul satisfying” experience, according to Rotarian Lori Depies, who was assisted by husband Mike. “Christmas is about kids, and it’s great to be able to help them at this time of year.”

Rotarian Julie Mummert, who has been volunteering for about 10 years, said it’s her “favorite event of the year. This is a really big project and the shopping is just phase one,” added Mummert, who noted the project also includes sorting, wrapping and distribution of the gifts. A vehicle provided by Buchanan Auto Park, driven by Justin Mummert, son of owners Julie and Curtis Mummert, will deliver the purchased gifts to the club’s satellite workshop at Hurley’s Auction Center in Zullinger.

Project lead since 2019 is Tracy Holliday. The children up to age 12 will each receive two to three gifts, according to Holliday. Beta Sigma Phi Sorority helps to organize the gift list, coordinate shopping, and sort toys at Hurley’s. Sorority member Linda Bennett creates the spreadsheet of gifts, she added.

The project is funded by Rotary Club of Waynesboro PA Foundation, which is supported by Rotary’s largest annual fundraiser, Battle of the Minds, held in September, and other donations from Rotarians, Holliday said.

The gifts will be wrapped in the following weeks by a team of volunteers – Rotarians and their family members, spouses and children, Waynesboro Area Senior High School (WASHS) Future Business Leaders of America/Interact and National Honor Society students and the WASHS Cheer Team. Toys will be distributed to families at the auction center Dec. 20.