In addition to the food drive, our Lodge Members continue to support our clothing drive.  Since the beginning of this year, our members have donated over 5,000 clothing items!  This is definitely a record-high compared to previous years; thanks so much for your generosity!  A special thanks to George Barboza who is delivering the clothes for us (and earning a bonus blue card for poker).

The clothing is being delivered to the Western Fairfax Christian Ministry (WFCM) Thrift Store located in Chantilly, VA.  The Thrift Store is open every day except for Sunday and supports our neighbors in need in Fairfax County, Virginia within the geographic areas of Centreville, Clifton, Chantilly, Fair Oaks, and Fairfax Station.  The WFCM Thrift Store sells clothing for all ages, shoes, jewelry, accessories, costumes, seasonal items, furniture, linens, small appliances, books, music, movies, kitchenware, sporting goods, baby items, collectibles, and more.  If you would like to shop at the Thrift Store, the address is 13989 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151.

As always, the Centreville Moose Lodge members outdid its self. The Angel Tree was a huge success.  We collected more gifts for our local children in need. The items were delivered to Main Street Child Development Center on Sideburn Rd.  The Staff and I wish to thank each and every one of you for your outpouring of love for our local children to make a child's wish come true for Christmas.  The wounded Veterans wish to thank you for the clothes we donated.  It is the little things in life that can make the most difference.  Even as little as a pair of socks can change a person forever.  Thanks so much for the support of a worthy cause.  God Bless.

On Saturday, December 3rd, the Women of the Moose, along with members of the American Legion Post 85, were honored to host this year’s annual Easter Seals children for a Visit with Santa.  Our Santa, Charlie Brown, once again made beautiful magic arriving aboard a City of Fairfax Fire Truck and surprising 27 little children.  Each child was called up by name and got to sit on Santa’s lap while he assisted in opening that child’s special Christmas gift.

Sherry Lemnah from the American Legion Post 85 has been organizing this very special event for over 15 years and now we know why!  Watching these children truly tugs at your heart string – even with their illness – all you could see were beautiful smiles and happy dispositions.  

Sherry came with her ‘band of elves’ who organized the room to accommodate each family and to assist each family member with bringing them food and drink --  they wanted for nothing. The Women of the Moose provided a hearty lunch that was served to the families by the many volunteers present. We were also fortunate to have several teenage helpers join the fun as well – Sarbrina Hunter, Joey Fenimore and Terry Wolfe.  Many, many thanks to you for taking time out of your busy Saturday and helping with this worthwhile even.

Sherry, who is also a recent transfer-in to our Chapter, indicated that with everything going as smoothly as it did, all children and family members happy, this may be a recurring event at our facilities.   We may even have enticed a couple of the volunteers to become Women of the Moose members.

This is what the Christmas Season is all about!!!!