It is that time of year again, time for Ronceverte Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Christmas fundraiser and stocking giveaway. Every year this department raises money to purchase stockings, fill them with goodies and give them out to local children. This tradition has been going on for more than seventy-five years. It has been in effect for so long that no one quite remembers the exact date that it began.
With the pandemic, the fundraiser looks a bit different this year. Normally, the department would hold a BINGO night to raise the money needed. Unfortunately, BINGO is not possible this year due to the COVID-19 guidelines. Instead, the department is selling Rada Cutlery online. If you would like to make a purchase to support this event, the link is available on the department’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RonceverteVolunteerFireDepartment). From there, you can browse all of the available products and make your purchase. All proceeds go directly to the stocking fund.
If you would like to support this event, but do not want to make a purchase, you can make a direct donation. This can be done by mailing a check to the department at PO Box 35, Ronceverte WV 24970. Donations can also be dropped off at the department on Monday or Saturday evenings. You can also make your donation at the Premier Bank located on Cedar Street in Ronceverte. The department asks that you put “stocking giveaway” or something similar in the note area on your check.
The stockings will be filled with items such as apples, oranges, a candy bar, soda and a toy among other things. The goal is to fill twelve hundred stockings. These will be given out on December 24. Children from the area can go, get a hot chocolate, a stocking and meet Santa.
The event will take place at The Ronceverte Island Park. Exact times have not been given as the organizers are finding the best way to navigate pandemic guidelines and accommodate a large number of participants.
For more information, you can reach out to the department directly via Facebook or stop by on a Monday or Saturday. Bear in mind that because this is a volunteer department, there is not always someone at the station to take calls or meet in-person.
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