Christmas in RVA @ UTurn: Making Spirits Bright!

The joy of the Christmas season comes from both the giving and receiving of gifts - tangible and intangible. UTurn is honored to host the 2022 Christmas in RVA event on December 19, 2022.

There are so many ways to participate in this exciting event - keep reading to learn more!

What is Christmas in RVA?

Christmas in RVA was established to provide an opportunity to the children in our community who may not be afforded the overwhelming joy the season can bring. This year, we're opening our doors to 200 children from three organizations: Richmond Police Athletic League (PAL), Youth Life Foundation of Richmond, and Faith & Family Church.

Participants will enjoy games, ornament making, photos with Santa, a kid-friendly dinner menu, and hearing about the Christmas story. They'll have individualized wrapped presents to open and the chance to wrap a present to take home to a family member. Plus, each child will go home with a backpack filled with food from FeedMore. Christmas in RVA encompasses the holiday spirit to its fullest!

How can I get involved?

• Sponsor an Individual Child: sponsors have a precise list of 3 gifts for each sponsored child and a budget of $250.

• Make an Individual or Corporate Donation: all donations go directly to assist Christmas in RVA in our efforts to provide a joyful Christmas to those children in our community who are most in need.

• Donate items for the "Merry Market": as a part of this event, we'll be offering the chance for the participating children to not only receive gifts, but have the opportunity to give gifts, as well. We will be hosting a "store" for the children to "shop" for up to two Christmas gifts for adult family members. Everything will be free of charge to these children - it's simply a way for them to share in the giving of the season. Gift ideas include: cookware and bakeware, basic tools and home repair supplies, health and beauty items, best-seller books and puzzles.

• Donate non-perishable food items to our FeedMore Food Drive between now and December 15. All donations can be dropped off directly to UTurn during our operating hours.

• Donate holiday supplies (donations can be dropped off directly to UTurn):

• Artificial trees - new or used, big or small, working lights or nonworking lights

• Wrapping paper & ribbon - new or partial rolls

• Ornaments - new or used (nothing broken, please)

• Lights - new or used (in working order)

• Volunteer: we have many opportunities for you to engage with this event! Families are welcome to volunteer prior to 4:30PM (note, children must be attended by an adult at all times). Event volunteers after 4:30PM must be over the age of 18. Head to our Volunteer Sign-up registration to learn more.

Questions about Christmas in RVA? Reach out to ChristmasinRVA@u-turn.org.