For the first time, the Mathews Ruritan Club Christmas Blessing Fund will have a pair of honorary co-chairpersons, with Ron and Debbie Lambert serving in that post this year.

Solicitation letters will be mailed Monday for this year’s fund drive, according to Charles H. “Sonny” Richardson Jr., chairman of the club’s Christmas Blessing Fund. Since 1931, the Mathews Ruritan Club has sponsored this program which provides assistance for winter heating bills for Mathews County residents. Last year, 129 families received assistance. 

The Lamberts purchased a home on the North River in 1998; they retired and moved to Mathews full-time in 2001. Ron and Debbie have both been active in several community organizations, but especially the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad. Ron has served on the Mathews Community Foundation Board, Mathews Rotary Club, PATH (People Aging in Their Homes) board, Hands Across Mathews volunteer, Meals on Wheels volunteer, Mathews Family YMCA b...