This year, due to the job insecurity and general uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by the Mathews Ruritan Club’s Christmas Blessing Fund are greater than ever.

Also because of the pandemic, solicitation letters will not be mailed as they have in years past, according to fund chairman Charles H. “Sonny” Richardson Jr.

Since 1931, the Mathews Ruritan Club has sponsored this program which provides assistance for winter heating bills for Mathews County citizens. Last year, 129 families were provided help with electricity, heating oil, propane and firewood costs.

The Christmas Blessing Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible. One hundred percent of the donations are distributed to needy Mathews families as all administrative duties are donated.

For many years, mailings have been prepared with help of fifth grade students at Thomas Hunter Middle School. However, with limited school hours now in effect, it is...