Cooperative Living November/December 2020 - 17

" We enjoy
doing it and the
community has
gotten behind
us and supported
us in the project.
It's nice for a
veteran to be
thought of.
It lifts their spirits, " Edward says.
People drop off cards at the Bryants' home in Emporiain
a bright-red mailbox on the porch with the words " Letters
for Santa " emblazoned across the front in gold. " You can't
miss it, " Edward says with a laugh.
Donors can seal their envelope or tuck in the envelope
flap, Kay explains. " As we receive the cards, we stamp them. "
The Bryants place the mailbox on the porch
after Thanksgiving Day and collect holiday
cards until Dec. 17.
This year, there will be a slight change
in how things are done, due to COVID-19
precautions. Edward says McGuire will only
accept a certain number of cards, which must
be set aside for 72 hours before distribution.
" But that's fine, " Edward says optimistically.
" We're going to make it work. Whatever
doesn't go to McGuire's will go to local
veterans in whatever way we are able to
do it safely. "
His passion for spreading kindness stems from what
he calls his " view of the world " after serving in the military
and then as a police officer. He retired in 2011 after 40 years
" When Edward serves veterans
and other people, I think he
feels like he's giving back
to the Lord for bringing him
home from Vietnam alive. "
- Kay Bryant
with the Emporia Police Department. " I've seen a lot, " he says.
Edward started Kids N Cops, formerly known as Shop with
a Cop, 18 years ago. State and national law enforcement later
adopted the unique program in which local law enforcement
officers share Christmas experiences with underprivileged
children. Kids N Cops also involves a shopping spree and
breakfast with officers.
" It's nationwide now, but that got started right here in
Emporia, " he says proudly.
While on the police force, he became Emporia's first
juvenile department officer. Kay recalls a special encounter
in a local restaurant several years ago.
" Someone paid for our meal that day, so we went over
to find out who it was and thank them. It was a woman who
had my husband as her juvenile detention officer more than
30 years ago. She said to him, 'You talked to me, said I should
be locked up but that you were going to give
me the opportunity to do something better
with my life. And I have, and I want
to thank you for that,' " Kay recalls.
Kay and Edward, who are satisfied
members of the Mecklenburg Electric
Cooperative family, will celebrate their
50th wedding anniversary next year.
" I was still in high school when Edward
went off to serve in the Vietnam War, "
Kay says. " He doesn't like to talk about his
experience there, but the work he does to
help other veterans is good for his soul. It definitely helps
him through the dark days and all veterans have their dark
days. It helps him cope. "
(continued on page 16)
MOTHER PROGRAM POWHATAN CHRISTMAS MOTHER PROGRAM POWHATAN CHRISTMAS MOTHER PROGRAM POWHATAN CHRISTMAS MOTHER PROGRAM
JoAnn, who is of Slavic descent,
describes her childhood Christmases.
" My family would have a candlelight
meal and we always had fried perogies
stuffed with potatoes and cheese,
like big, delicious dumplings. " She
finds it hard to choose a favorite
Christmas song, but " I'll Be Home
for Christmas " is at the top of her list.
" I love the excitement leading up
to Christmas, and then being together
with loved ones. I love having wrapping
paper all over the floor and seeing
smiles all around, " she says.
That's the kind of experience the
Woodsons, and those affiliated with
the Powhatan County Christmas
Mother organization, want everyone
in Powhatan to be able to have.
" Please apply if you need help.
The Powhatan Christmas Mother
organization is made up of a lot
co-opliving.com
of people who are dedicated and
compassionate and genuinely
want to give everyone a beautiful
holiday, " JoAnn says.
With the pandemic putting extra
financial and emotional stress on many
families, the Woodsons believe more
people likely will qualify for support
this year.
Tough times happen and many
people may not be aware of how much
poverty is in their own community,
JoAnn explains.
" But I can remember, back when
I was working at the school, coming
up to Christmastime knowing that
some of my students weren't going
to have a good holiday. It existed and
it was a tough thing to handle when
you know the children personally, "
she says.
COVID-19 will also impact how the
couple plays their role. " We're serving
as the face of the organization and that
usually involves a lot of speaking
engagements and being present at
events, so we're going to have to adapt
and take it event by event. We want
everyone to be safe, " Jimmy explains.
The Woodsons encourage local
businesses and residents who are able
to make donations to do so. Jimmy
says, " We may not be able to make it
as elaborate as we have done in the
past due to the COVID-19 situation,
but we still want to make sure that
our community has a wonderful
Christmas. " 
For more information on the Powhatan
County Christmas Mother program,
email powhatancec@verizon.net or
visit powhatanchristmasmother.org.
November-December 2020 | Cooperative Living | 15

http://www.powhatanchristmasmother.org http://www.co-opliving.com

Cooperative Living November/December 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living November/December 2020