Local Woman Hopes to Make Christmases Brighter

This year, Jennifer Daywalt hopes that no child in Phoenixville will go without a Christmas.

That’s a tall order in this economy. For the past seven years, with the exception of last year, Daywalt has coordinated a Christmas gift and food drive to help provide local families with meals and presents for the holiday.

“This year, we want to be larger and reach as many as possible, as we know we have missed many in the past years,” Daywalt said.

After sending out an appeal to find needy families, the response was a bit large this year, and some are outside of the Phoenixville area. No one will be turned down due to location, however.

“I am receiving an e-mail every day from a family that needs assistance or from a friend of the family,” Daywalt said. “As the information spreads about Christmas in Phoenixville, I expect we will be pretty overwhelmed.”

Over the last few years, at least 30 families have received toys and donations through the holiday drive, according to Daywalt, who said she sees the effects of the difficult economy though her job as a realtor. In order to make the Christmas wishes she receives a reality, Daywalt enlisted the help of volunteers. One of those volunteers, John Colarusso of , donated his place of business as a collection point, and you can check out the hours and days below.

“We will accept gifts for all ages,” Daywalt said.

Specific requests include Justin Bieber items, beads, Nintendo accessories and skating items. Children are also asking for clothing like coats and shoes, Daywalt said, and the typical ages are 8 to 14.

Gifts should be unwrapped (though donations of wrapping paper are definitely accepted) and along with toys that kids might enjoy, non-perishable foods that would make a good holiday dinner are also accepted, along with gift cards. Daywalt said they like to include one gift for mom and one for dad for each family.

“Single donations are great and then all the ‘elves’ will take our list and split everything up, wrap and deliver them on Christmas Eve,” Daywalt said.

She said she was inspired to start the holiday drive after going through her own struggles as a single mother of five kids. She has visited homeless shelters to help out in the past and said she hopes the community will come together to donate.

“I think the fact that people have told me in the past that I should not help people because I am being taken advantage of has given me a stronger resolve to continue helping people,” Daywalt explained.

So far, she’s received several e-mails from people willing to help, and it seems a small holiday drive that started a few years ago with just her and her children and friends donating will expand to what Daywalt hopes it can become.

“Our goal is to provide every needy family with gifts and a meal … It’s a huge undertaking but one that is worthwhile and truly will show the meaning of Christmas,” Daywalt said.

To Donate:

Where: Petrucci’s Ice Cream and Water Ice, 472 Nutt Road, Phoenixville

When: From today through Wednesday, Dec. 15, donations can be dropped off on Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a container for donations at Petrucci’s.

For More Information: Contact Jennifer Daywalt at sellinghomesjenn@aol.com.