Marilee Coulter’s eyes get shiny when she recounts a touching memory of the mom and dad who came into Virden’s Red Apple store during its annual holiday season toy drive.
They purchased and donated toys in memory of a child who passed away, knowing that somebody else’s child would get to enjoy them. For Coulter, store interim manager, it was one of those special moments you never forget.
She remembers another family who came in to support the campaign.
“The parents let their boys each pick out any toy they wanted to give to a child in need.
“The older boy put a lot of thought into it and finally chose a toy that he would want for himself, saying that’s how he knew the other child would like it.”
The youngsters deposited their carefully-selected gifts in a cart destined for the Virden Christmas Cheer Board, having experienced the pleasure of selfless giving.
“Those two families, to me, showed the true meaning of Christmas – giving without expecting and making some child’s Christmas bright, happy,” said Coulter.
The Red Apple store’s annual Fill a Sleigh toy drive is this Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the afternoon, there will be special guests at the Virden store to enliven the festivities: Wallace District firefighters, Oil Caps players and even Santa himself will be there from 1 to 3 p.m.
