Editor, The Herald:

On Dec. 9, 2012 immediately following the Cumberland Christmas Parade, children can visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves at the Cumberland Fire House. The visit is free, but Santa requests that you bring a new toy (at least of $5 value), a new winter outfit or money to donate to the Christmas Mother Fund. The event will last for two hours. Bring your own camera so you can have lots of pictures.

On Dec. 1, you can have your pet visit with Santa at the Cumberland Animal Hospital at the intersection of Rt. 45 and 60 near Hillcrest. Santa will be at the clinic from 1-3. A free picture will be available if you bring an unwrapped present for the local Christmas Mothers in several counties. Santa enjoys visiting with the pets.

All the schools in Cumberland are helping to collect gifts this year. You can drop off games, toys, clothing or monetary donations at any of the three schools. Without the help of the students, we could not reach our goal to help so many.

Angels are out in the banks, churches and stores around Cumberland and in Farmville, so if you would like to choose to help a specific child, please choose an angel. You can purchase the suggested toy and clothing item and return to the location where you got the angel.

We know we will have almost 500 children to assist, so we have a huge job. We still need almost every type of toy that Santa would have in his sack. We do not give big electronic games, bikes (we have nowhere to keep them), guns or knives). We try to give each family at least one board game and each child a book. Since we do an outfit of clothing for each child, we need new winter clothing with underwear and socks. Each of you can help us, if you would like. Drop off locations are Cumberland Social Services, Cumberland Middle or Elementary School, the Cumberland Library or anywhere you see Cumberland Christmas Angels.

If you have questions or need more information on how to help, please contact Alice Metts, Christmas Mother, at 804-492-3561.

Alice Metts

Christmas Mother