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The smell of fireworks, hamburgers and hotdogs hangs in the morning air.
The dog is timidly crawling out from under your bed, still trembling from the cacophony of explosions, whistles and muffled booms that punctuated the night.
It's Sunday, July 5.
Time to put away the flags and patriotic bunting and begin thinking about – Christmas.
I'm normally the last person to advocate rushing the season. Historically, jack-o'-lanterns on Labor Day and red-nosed reindeer in October make my blood boil. However, the ladies at the Marvin Village office have forced me to re-examine my attitude.
Michelle Rutowski, administrative assistant/zoning administrator for the village of Marvin, sent an e-mail recently that suggested the holiday sales that will be going on today represent a fantastic opportunity to do something for those in need.
Michelle explained it this way:
“Union County was looking for sponsors for foster children for their birthdays, and as we sent out that information, we thought this would be a good opportunity to remind people that we will once again be a drop spot for donations to the Union County Christmas Bureau. Since the economy continues to be a great challenge for so many Union County residents, donations of food, clothing, birthday and Christmas gifts are in greater need than ever.
“New items (clothes, toys, books, CDs, electronics, other gift items or stocking stuffer type items) for donation to the Christmas Bureau can be dropped off at the Village of Marvin office, 10004 New Town Road. Office hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, and 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. You can make donation any time beginning now and going through approximately Dec. 10.”
Today's Observer will be full of enticements from retailers looking to empty their shelves. “Buy one, get two free, 50 percent off already reduced merchandise.”
The village of Marvin will be happy to pick up empty stockings from the Christmas Bureau for groups to fill and return.
Another idea from Marvin: What if you were able to buy one $5 or $10 gift card to Wal-Mart, Target, a grocery store or another store each week between now and Dec. 10?
Please be sure that gift cards are purchased at stores that have locations in the Monroe area.
All donations are tax-deductible, and can be items, gift cards or checks made payable to the Union County Christmas Bureau. Call Michelle at 704-843-1680, ext. 100, or, contact Gloria Haney who is in charge of the Christmas Bureau at 704-296-4312.
Is today your day to shop till you drop?
Remember to pick up something to drop at the village of Marvin office as well.
God bless America.
E-mail John at: mynews@charlotteobserver.com
