More than 20 years ago Kristi Brown of Springfield was killed in an automobile accident returning home from college.  Her parents, Bill and Karen Brown started "Kristi's Christmas" in her memory to bring Christmas joy to needy Fairfax County children.  Bill is a fellow member of the Rotary Club of West Springfield

Each year their goal is to aid 50 children of elementary school age.

• This year the kids arrived at the Waterford in Springfield with their teachers and were served a full buffet breakfast through the generosity of the Waterford organization.
• At breakfast each child met a "buddy" who would be with them as they started their journey.  The "buddies" are boys and girls from the West Springfield High School Spartan basketball teams.
• Next they went to Target at Springfield Mall where each children had a $110 shopping spree paid for with funds from the foundation established by Bill and Karen Brown.
• After checkout  it was back to the Waterford for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus - Santa was fellow Rotarian Kurt Muse - his wife Ann was Mrs. Claus.
• Mrs. Claus read "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" and then each child was invited up to visit with Santa and receive more gifts.

Each child received a stuffed teddy bear, a gift bag with a backpack, school supplies, toilet articles and a sleeping bag all provided by Bill and Karen Brown

We members of the Rotary Club of West Springfield eagerly assist Bill and Karen.  There are no words I can find to adequately relay the sheer delight and excitement shown by these needy kids - there are always a lot of moist adult and "buddy" eyes evident throughout the entire program.

As Rotarians we are always actively seeking ways we can support the Springfield community as well as the international support goals established by Rotary International.  The efforts of Bill and Karen Brown are in the true Rotary spirit of "Service Above Self"  I am honored to be associated with them.