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
Board Members:
Debbie Carlson - Book co-chair
Dana DeHart - Volnteer coordinator
Kelly Morris - Book chair
Ann Walker - Past president
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:
Grace Episcopal Church - office space
Grove United Methodist Church—screening, toy distribution, and storage site
Harvey Chevrolet—new bike assembly/used bike repair
Kollmorgen—truck/driver picks up lay-away purchases at stores and delivers to Grove
Radford City Schools—donation of gifts
Radford Clothing Bank—loan of shopping baskets
Radford Noon Rotary Club—solicitation letter mailings
Radford Rotary members—toy pick-up and delivery
Radford University sororities/fraternities/clubs—volunteers
Local Banks/Churches/Businesses—collection site for gifts