Gifts were collected in 2024 for Cove Christmas Love. Courtesy photo

At least 106 children in the Spring Cove School District will receive toys collected through the Cove Christmas Love program, which aims to make Christmas bright for those in need, said coordinator Karla Detwiler.

Local churches, organizations and volunteers across the Martinsburg Ministerium have been collecting toys and donations throughout the year, she said, noting she became involved because “I want to be part of the process” of giving back to children this Christmas.

The Cove Christmas Love program was started by Martinsburg Police Chief Richard Brantner in the 1980s.

Throughout the years, the police department handed off the program to different area churches until it was fated to discontinue. That was when Martinsburg Church of God Pastor Jim Shaffer stepped up to the plate.

“We have to love God with our heart, mind and soul,” he said. “While we’re at it, we have to love our neighbours.”

Since then, the Martinsburg Ministerium has operated the program — along with help from Detwiler and other volunteers — to collect toys for disadvantaged students enrolled at the Spring Cove School District.

The program buys gifts for children up to 20 years old who are still living at home in the district. The cost per child depends on what children are asking for Christmas, Shaffer said, but they aim to spend about $120 per child.

At Spring Cove, nurses collect forms filled out by parents or students asking for two wants, two needs and one read for the Christmas season.

The program tries to personalize each list according to the child in need, Detwiler said.

While they usually send paperwork home with students, elementary nurse Linda Lafferty said Cove Christmas Love is their way “to give back to the community.”

“It goes back to loving your neighbor, helping others in need and helping bless someone this Christmas,” she said.

Once nurses receive filled-out forms, Cove Christmas Love volunteers will take a bulk of applications along with the Sheetz For The Kidz and other church-organized programs.

This year, the application deadline was Oct. 31, but Lafferty said they’ll accept a few stragglers after the deadline as well.

Other Cove Christmas Love lists are compiled through gift tags and Angel Trees available at participating local churches.

Shaffer said 13 Martinsburg churches and 10 Roaring Spring churches are involved with the program this year. Some churches may have gift tags and Angel Trees available, while others are only collecting donations.

For online shoppers, an Amazon wishlist is available at: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2GR5R0342PK14?ref=gr_search_page_result

“You can help this year by purchasing something on the list, sharing the link, or praying for this ministry and the families that will be receiving these gifts,” Detwiler posted on Facebook. “We appreciate any support or help.”

Those interested in helping should call Shaffer at 814-505-3708.

Distribution day is Dec. 13.

Shaffer believes Cove Christmas Love does more than gift-giving.

“In some ways, it’s as simple as a family that doesn’t have to overextend to buy gifts,” he said, placing grocery, heat and rent bills into the equation.

With this program, he said, the community has the opportunity to help hurting kids.

“The Martinsburg community is a beautiful place,” he said. “They take care of people in many ways, and this is one more example of that.”