Earlier this week, Varina Episcopal Church hosted its first "Elf's Shop," an event designed to provide an opportunity for disadvantaged children to "shop" for Christmas items for their families.

In April 2009, the chuch established a food pantry to assist residents in the area by distributing meat, produce, bread and dry goods on the first and third Monday of each month. Since that time the pantry has grown from four families to 40 families and has distributed more than 40,000 pounds of food.


This year, thanks to donations of clothing, toiletries and small gift items, the children from those families were able to select a gift for their parents, wrap it and then take it home with them. The volunteer "elves" are all members of the church.

For details about the program, contact the church at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (804) 795-5340.