How do you volunteer during a pandemic?
Ending of autumn and beginning of winter - 'tis the season of giving and bringing joy to other humans. The question is: how can we carry on this tradition of humanitarianism while being COVID safe?
Christmas Storybookland is a time-honored tradition in our local community, 41 years running. Currently viewed at the Linn County Fairgrounds Expo Center. First started by Don Albright, creating 15 scenes including the Victorian Village, now has over 120 scenes to display. 80 different story scenes are featured this season in the drive-thru.
Carol Hood has been involved for 21 years; she started as a greeter and now sponsors the coveted Santa's House for the past 10 years. She decorates the porch herself and NEVER decorates it the same way twice. She explains that when children get their photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the porch, parents want it to be beautiful and different each year.
This year as the first year as a drive-thru, children will not be getting out of their cars to sit with Santa but are encouraged to tell Mrs. & Mr. Santa Claus what they hope to find under the Christmas tree and take a selfie and a candy cane.
Dwane Raveling representing the Order of the Arrow of Boy Scouts of America, leads by example in community service putting together the Beauty and the Beast display.
Christmas Storybookland isn't just about seeing Santa and showing off community talent in display. It's about giving back to the community as a nonprofit organization. Admission is free but canned food donation is encouraged. Donations are delivered to Fish of Albany, a Christian religious inc. who provide services to the needy without affiliation requirement or "an equal opportunity provider".
So if your heart is in the market to volunteer this holiday season, consider becoming a greeter or helping to take down and store the Christmas Storybookland the day after the last day of viewing December 18th. Show up, give back, and become a family member of volunteers! https://christmasstorybookland.org/
