Pictured: A group of Northampton County high school students led by teacher Rebecca Lusk once again helped deliver numerous boxes of food for the ‘Bank of Cheer.
By Bill Sterling
The 67th Bank of Cheer went smoothly last week as over 115 deliveries of food to needy families were completed by a group of volunteers that included employees of the Accomack Parks and Recreation Department, students and retired teachers from Northampton High school and 16 members of the Pungoteague Ruritan Club, among others.
Laura Trala, who has coordinated the deliveries for over 30 years, provided detailed instructions and directions to the volunteers after first ordering the food, shopping for hams and working with various community organizations and other area leaders to establish a list of families in need of help at Christmas.
On the day prior to the delivery, volunteers packed assorted canned vegetables, meats, soup, fruit and staples such as sugar, flour, rice and cornmeal at the Moose Lodge in Belle Haven. The food was purchased through Richard Barnes of Food Lion and delivered at no cost by Wendell Distributing Co. Boxes were provided once again by Dublin Farms of Horntown.
Trala was emotional following a successful day that brought familiar volunteers together once again. “Bank of Cheer always provides the gift of reflection. We’re not just giving a box of food…it’s giving hope, and faith, and fellowship, and ultimately receiving so much more in return. I’m proud to live on the Eastern Shore, especially at a time such as this, when countless individuals come together to give of their time and resources to help those less fortunate,” said Trala.
Bank of Cheer was made more special this year for Trala because of her 14-year-old great-nephew Aiden Trala, who helped deliver food despite coping with cerebral palsy.
Aiden said he helped deliver food previously with a group of Northampton County students, but he wanted to help this year with his aunt, Tina Trala. “I like helping others anytime I can,” said Aiden. “It’s not just about helping people today, we should try to help people every day.”
Laura Trala said the experience of delivering food with Aiden brought her to tears, “I can’t imagine the struggles he faces every day, and yet he has such a positive attitude and finds so much joy in helping others…we could all take a lesson.”
It has become a Christmas tradition for local residents, community organizations, churches and other groups to make a donation to the Bank of Cheer. Donors know that 100 percent of their donations go to help the Bank of Cheer recipients. All labor, transportation expenses and the boxes are donated.
Donations are still being accepted. Checks can be made out to “Bank of Cheer” and sent to Bank of Cheer, c/o Laura Trala, P.O. Box 646, Onley, Va. 23418.
Dining and Cooking