Wrappers Make a Gift of Their Time

Four years ago, Stamford resident Yellka Chaparro was looking for a charitable outlet. She wanted to give of her time in a way that would be meaningful. She chose to become a St. Luke’s LifeWorks holiday gift-wrapping volunteer.

“I wanted to give back to the community and I didn’t know how. I thought it was a great option,” said Chaparro. “Every year we come. We go through this and everybody’s happy.”

Chaparro was among some 250 volunteers who wrapped toys, electronic gadgets and other donated gifts for needy Fairfield County youngsters throughout the late morning and early afternoon Saturday. Another 300 volunteers are expected for part two of the event Dec. 11.

Including all the people who help prepare for it and clean up afterward, this year’s gift-wrapping party is expected to attract a total of about 1,000 volunteers, said Takeia McAlister, 2010 Holiday Gift Collection manager. Donations still are needed for the 2,500 youngsters the project serves, she added.

“We definitely need more toys. There are about 300 to 400 children who still don’t have a sponsor,” said McAlister. Popular items include MP3 players and other electronics, and anything Justin Bieber, she said. “In addition, we need wrapping paper. Wrapping paper is really expensive.”

“And we need ribbons,” chimed in Nino Puri, who works in the St. Luke’s LifeWorks Development Office. She and her son, Manav, 17, and daughter, Deepali, 15, were volunteer wrappers. Deepali brought her friend, Erin McDonough, 15. Erin’s sister, Shannon, 11, volunteered as well.

“This is my first year doing it,” said Erin. “I like doing it because it puts you in the Christmas spirit.

Gift and wrapping donations will be accepted through Dec. 9. They may be dropped off and St. Luke’s LifeWorks, 141 Franklin St. For more information, call (203) 388-0103.

 

If you have questions or comments, you can reach Felicia  at fhunter@mainstreetconnect.com

If you volunteering somewhere this holiday season, please tell us about it in the box below.

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