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The Southside Christmas Parents are currently working to, once again, provide needed Christmas gifts for area children.
According to Kay Pierantoni, who represents the Wylliesburg/Red Oak District on the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors and is a member of the organization the group was not able to provide gifts for children last year.

“Personally, I hate to think about letting this go as I think about the children who will be disappointed at Christmas this year,” Pierantoni said.

At one time the Southside Christmas Parents served seven counties and has been in operation for over 20 years.
Over the years, the organization, run completely by volunteers, has provided toys and even clothes for hundreds of children who would not otherwise have anything under the Christmas tree.

In order to provide Christmas for those less fortunate the organization worked with the Charlotte County Social Services and schools to identify children in need.

Throughout this year members of the organizations have been working to re-establish their nonprofit status and just recently learned that the Salvation Army Board of Directors has approved the Southside Christmas Parent to be a part of their organization.

“The path is coming clear for us to go ahead with this vital service to the children in need,” said Pierantoni. “But many helping hands are needed to make it a reality,”

There will be a meeting of the Southside Christmas Parents this Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., at the Drakes Branch Municipal Building for anyone wishing to volunteer their time in helping to provide Christmas to children in need.

For more information on the Southside Christmas Parents, contact Kay Pierantoni at (434) 387-2531.