Scanning the newspaper for months to find the cheapest canned-goods deal of the year, then using it to fill a basket that will feed a family for weeks. Trekking from store to store to find a Tickle Me Elmo doll that turned out to be the perfect gift for a child with autism.
Some employees adopt from the list on their own.
Others, like those in Walker's group, share the experience and expense. The program serves needy families with one or more mentally or developmentally disabled members. This year, the ARC Rappahannock has 250 on the list to match with Santa volunteers. Churches, offices, school clubs and individuals have stepped up to adopt nearly 210 of them so far, leaving about 40 individuals who still need someone to help make Christmas merry. Other similar area programs still need a hand as well.