POA employees bring holiday cheer to several local families
Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007
BELLA VISTA - Christmas will be a little brighter this year for several Bella Vista families, thanks to the efforts of the Property Owners Association's Membership Services Department and those who gave donations.
The department collected new, unwrapped children's toys from Oct. 15 through Dec. 14 for children from infants through 17 years of age, and the POA collected a box of art supplies needed for youth classes at the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter, according to a POA news release.
The department also began collecting money this summer for its annual Christmas Fund Drive. The group collected about $ 1, 000, which was used to buy groceries, coats, clothes and shoes for families "adopted"by the department's employees.
The chosen families were nominated by POA members.
"We heard a lot of heartbreaking stories; I'm just glad that we could do this little bit for them," said Sherry Cooper with the Membership Services Department. The department first adopted three single-parent families from Bella Vista with a total of nine children. However, additional families were identified as the holidays approached. By the end of the toy drive, the department had provided for 20 children.
"We've had tremendous support from the public," Cooper said. "We've had hundreds of toys donated, as well as diapers, groceries and money. "Other POA departments also supported the cause. The Bella Vista Fire Department bought groceries for one of the families and arranged for that family to get propane, which was donated by Tri-State Propane, to heat their home.
To raise money, the Membership Services Department hosted several fundraisers, including a doughnut sale and a rummage sale.
In addition, Cooper and Rhonda Frischman, also an employee with the Membership Services Department, obtained numerous sponsors to donate concession items, which Cooper and Frischman sold at Riordan Hall's Fridaynight Vintage Country Stage performances.
Sponsors included the Sugar Creek 10 Cinema, McDonald's, Frito Lay, Sam's Club, Harps, Duffers, Riordan Hall and the Branchwood Recreation Center.
"We would like to thank all of the wonderful people that have donated to this worthy cause. Without them, this would not be possible," Cooper said.
"We hope it's the best Christmas these families have ever had," she said. "I just wish we could be with every family on Christmas morning when the children open all of their gifts."
Employees with the POA's Membership Services Department were recognized this fall by the POA Board of Directors and administration for their numerous community outreach projects.
"These employees volunteered their free time and organized numerous activities in order to give something back to our members," POA General Manager Tommy Bailey said. "I think that says a lot about the type of people we have working at the POA."
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