Happy Face’s goal this year was for each child to receive a brand new toy, and thanks to the generosity of giving in the whole community, with toy collection boxes stationed around the county, that goal was easily met. Not only did economically disadvantaged children receive these toys, but drawings were held for more than 30 bikes as well as some larger toy sets and gift baskets. Children had their pictures taken with Santa, heard the story of Christmas, enjoyed special entertainment, received refreshments, warm winter coats, and selected books and stuffed animals. Families also walked away with a food basket to create a hearty Christmas meal, and vouchers for local stores to buy a present for someone else in the family. Food boxes and vouchers at local stores were also distributed to approximately 40 seniors in the community. Since 1974 this endearing tradition has been creating happy faces in Fluvanna, and the legacy continues, thanks to all of you.
Rev. Ken Albright
Happy Face Co-Coordinator
Thank you to a local business
I would like to say, with deep appreciation, a thank you to Ashleigh Morris with No Place Like Home Pet Services. We have been using Ashleigh’s service for several years and she has always been professional, honest and amazing with our dog. We used her services again recently to watch our precious Yorkie while we visited with family up north. Ashleigh would email us every evening and include a picture to let us know how our dog was doing. This particular time in December was no exception. Without any of us realizing what was ahead of us, our precious Yorkie grew very ill while we were away, we later learned from a blood protein deficiency. Ashleigh alerted us immediately and we agreed that she should take our dog to the vet which she gladly did. She has always treated our dog as if it were her own. We quickly made the seven-hour journey back to Virginia in hopes that our dog would be recovering. God had other plans and our dog is now chasing frisbees in heaven. Any of you that have gone through this know that it is a very difficult journey to grieve the death of a pet you love, but people supporting you makes the journey much more bearable. Ashleigh, we really can’t thank you enough for loving our dog. Thank you for your knowledge, professionalism, caregiving and empathy. You are the best!
Cynthia and Larry McIlnay
Lake Monticello
