Holiday

Richmond YMCA toy giveaway founded by firefighter

Richmond firefighter Rod Woods started the annual Toy Giveaway 27 years ago, when he was first hired. “I told the Lord I would give back,” Woods said. This was his way of giving back. Woods was seven years old when his own family was in need during the holidays. “Somebody knocked on the front door of our house and ran,” Woods said. “They left gifts and food for our family.” And it’s this memory that made him want to give…

Shields Nursing Center warms up hearts with free coats

At around nine on a chilly Saturday morning a line of nearly 300 people wrapped around the corner of Cutting and 20th Street as they giddily waited for a Christmas present that would keep them warm. Shields Nursing Center was turned into a winter wonderland as community members and staff gave out 200 free coats and candy canes to Richmond youth during their annual Warm Coat Giveaway. The event started at noon and by 2pm every child in line had…

GUEST OPINION: Lament for veterans

GUEST OPINION: Inegalitarianism, defined as the exclusion of large segments of the population from participation in the socioeconomic and political system despite the language of equality, liberty and freedom, has permeated the U.S. since its inception. Veterans Day provides the opportunity to reflect on the hundreds of thousands who have perished in battle, suffered wounds or are permanently disabled, which, from my perspective, can only be described as an obscenity of injustice. Lest we forget, African Americans fought in the…

Halloween treats for Richmond families

Trick or treat? Halloween is here! Richmond Art Center is treating children to seasonal chills and thrills with its annual family art making event: Skeletonfest. This event was free and open to the public. Three girls drew scary skulls on paper plates with colorful sugar paint. One girl couldn’t help taste her art work. No surprise. “It tastes like sugar,” she said. Skeletonfest has been growing. Some 400 kids and adults came to the studio this year to take part…