Packing Day Set For Dec. 6
‘Tis the season? Maybe for fall-themed coffees, but the board of directors of Rockbridge Christmas Baskets has Christmas and packing day 2025 in its sights.
For the new-to-Rockbridge County or uninitiated, RCB’s packing day is the result of months of planning by this fully volunteer-run organization which serves those in need residing in Rockbridge County and the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista.
On packing day, RCB volunteers assemble, fill, and deliver boxes of nutritious food to those in the community facing food insecurity at the holidays. RCB also provides an age-appropriate toy for each child in households served.
This year’s packing event will take place earlier than usual: Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Virginia Horse Center, 8 a.m. to noon.
It’s been an eventful 2025 for the organization thus far. The board of RCB has welcomed two new members and has said a grateful goodbye to a longtime presence.
RCB President Paige Williams said, “We will deeply miss the kind spirit and devotion to detail that our friend Ruth Floyd shared with us for so many years. We wish her well! Happily, though, Ruth helped us bring David Saacke up to speed, so we now have his talents as our data chair, as well as the expertise of Melanie Falls as our secretary.
“Through spring and summer,” Williams added, “RCB has collaborated with area partners to help us update our client list through outreach and promotion of our application. We balance the mission of helping as many area households in need with using our finite resources as efficiently as possible. Pair this with high food prices and supply delays, and it’s easy to see why we need a very long runway —and strong financial support -- to make a successful packing day possible.”
With an earlier delivery date, everything happens a bit earlier, including the application period, which is open now.
“We must emphasize our firm deadline at the close of business on Friday, Nov. 7,” she said. “Mailed applications must be postmarked by Nov. 7. Those who need our assistance must use the application forms, not social media. In 2024, we served nearly 3,500 people. We are a volunteer organization, and with this kind of volume, current household information is critical.
“Rockbridge Christmas Baskets goes back generations, and our board and volunteers work hard out of compassion for others. In the same spirit, if previous basket recipients find their situation has improved, we want them to let us know so we can direct our resources to those less fortunate at a time of the year when being in need hurts the most.”
Any area resident who will struggle with putting food on the table or providing a new toy for their child this holiday season may apply to RCB to receive a basket. Online applications are available at rockbridgechristmasbaskets. org (select “Request a Basket” in the top menu). Additionally, print applications are available for pick up and drop off at any area CornerStone Bank branch drive-thru window or at the Lexington Police Department during normal business hours. Completed print applications may also be mailed to RCB at P.O. Box 1030, Lexington, VA 24450.
Households or individuals in need should note: those who did receive a basket last year, and for whom nothing has changed about their household or contact information do not need to reapply. Those in need who did not receive a basket last year, or those who did receive a basket for whom household or contact information has changed (e.g.: new or different household members, new address or phone number) must submit an application to receive a basket.
Anyone who received a basket in 2024 but no longer needs RCB assistance is asked to email rockbridgechristmasbaskets@ gmail.com or leave a message at (540) 458-1296.
To learn more about RCB and/or make a secure online donation, visit rockbridgechristmasbaskets. org. Mailed donations should be addressed to RCB, P.O. Box 1030, Lexington, VA 24450.
