About Us
History
The concept for Elf Shelf was proposed by a delegation from First Baptist Church Radford, who saw a similar program in Baltimore. The first year of operation was 1993. At that time it was held at the Radford School Board building and there were no eligibility requirements. Consequently, it was difficult to predict demand and ensure availability of goods. In following years, eligibility requirements were established, procedures refined, community support elicited, and Elf Shelf soon began to flourish. Radford Elf Shelf is now held each year at Grove United Methodist Church, usually the first weekend in December.
Board of Directors
President: Margaret Sproule
Vice President: Penny Sweet
Treasurer: Karen Smith
Secretary: Laura Eanes
Marketing Director: Lisa Davis
Board Members:
Delores Smith
Palma Clark
Dana DeHart
Community Partnerships
Over the years solid relationships have developed within the community which allow Elf Shelf to function more efficiently. Partnerships, cooperative efforts or collaborations involved in this project include:
Rotary Club—solicitation letter mailings
Rotary representative—record keeping, financial advice
Grove United Methodist Church—screening, toy distribution, and storage site
Kollmorgen—truck/driver picks up lay-away purchases at stores and delivers to Grove
Harvey Chevrolet—new bike assembly/used bike repair
Radford City Schools—donation of gifts
Radford Clothing Bank—loan of shopping baskets
Banks/Churches/Businesses—collection site for gifts
Radford University sororities/fraternities/athletics—volunteers