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Buena Vista's Hadley wants to help make sure there are
'No Tears for Christmas'

By RICHARD HARRIS
(From the December 20, 2006 issue)
   Santa Claus gets a lot of recognition each year around Christmastime, and rightly so. After all, he supervises a team of elves working year round to make toys and then delivers them to boys and girls around the world in a single night.
   But it’s a big job and even ole Saint Nick needs a little help to make sure there are no tears for Christmas. That’s where Buena Vista’s Alexandra (Alex) Hadley and her “No Tears for Christmas” program comes in. She supervises a group of volunteers and works year round to raise money for Christmas presents for needy boys and girls in Marion County.
   This is the second year she’s run the program and by the time Santa and his reindeer touch ground back at the North Pole, “No Tears for Christmas” will have assisted his efforts by providing Christmas presents to around 350 local children (with each receiving at least three toys).
   How does she do it? Well, she would say she’s just one of a number of people who make it

 


Alex Hadley stands outside of Buena Vista Bargains


A few of the items for sale inside Buena Vista
Bargains (click for larger image).

   
 
possible, preferring to pass any credit or praise along to the volunteers who help, as well as to the Lord from whom she draws her inspiration and calling. She describes it as a church project of First Baptist Church of Buena Vista, and herself as merely someone who helps the project along.
   However, while he’s proud of his church’s role in the project, Pastor Chris Hess points out that it was Alex Hadley’s vision that started the program and it’s her love and sweat that keeps it alive and growing.
   “It’s really Alex’s ministry and the church is pleased to help support her,” said Rev. Hess. “It’s amazing what she has done and continues to do. We’re proud of our role, but other churches and individuals also help support it, too.”
   How did it start? Hadley was previously involved with a similar program at Fort Benning and when she moved to Buena Vista she saw the need here. The ministry started in her home last year, but it has grown so much that the congregation of First Baptist voted to pay the rent necessary for her to have a larger space. She now generates funding for the program by operating “Buena Vista Bargains,” in the big metal warehouse on Fifth Avenue (behind the Georgia Power building in downtown Buena Vista).
   How does it work? At Buena Vista Bargains – which is much like a flea market with a wide variety of merchandise – she accepts donated items of practically all sorts. She and her volunteers organize all of the items, price them, and put them on display for people to purchase. The money from all sales is then used to go out and buy NEW toys for needy local children, which are distributed at Christmastime.
   It’s a beautiful system. People who have items they no longer need or want are given the opportunity to donate them to a worthy cause. People who like to (or need to) shop for bargains, can then visit Buena Vista Bargains and get really good deals (clothes are usually priced under $1
 
   
   
and all of the “flea market” type items are at very low prices). Then the final result is that children from needy families (verified by the local DFCS office) have a merrier Christmas.
   Some of the people who have benefited from being able to shop in the warehouse have filled out “feedback cards,” and they say it has really helped them.
   “I think it’s a good place, because it is easy for me to get some clothes if I need some,” wrote one shopper. “Alex is doing a good job.”
   What sorts of items are available for purchase? Well, it depends on the given day, but the merchandise has even included a fancy chandelier and a beautiful, like-new wedding dress, as well as the hodgepodge of inexpensive treasures one would expect in a flea market setting.
   Why does she do it? Hadley puts all of the money from sales back into the program and spends many hours each week working on it (while not at her regular job), but she said it is a blessing rather than a chore.
   “I grew up with nothing so I know how those kids feel,” she said. “There are some things that we all need to do and this is one of them. It’s the Lord’s work. That’s what he wants us to do.”
   She’s sure to receive a heavenly pat on the back when she meets the Lord at some point in the future, but she said she already receives plenty of rewards in the present.
   “When you see those kids’ eyes, and their parents’ eyes, it’s very rewarding,” said Hadley. “Kids need help and they’re all special. One of the kids we help now may end up being the president – or taking care of me in the nursing home.”
   How can you help? It is rewarding for Hadley, but it’s certainly not easy. While she is grateful for all of the support she receives from volunteers (including those in her own family who pitch in a lot) and those who donate merchandise or money, it’s still a huge undertaking. She said the most difficult part is finding enough volunteers. Buena Vista Bargains is currently open most of the time from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week, and from 9 to 4 on Saturday, but those hours sometimes have to be adjusted due to a shortage of manpower. Anyone interested in donating items or volunteering to help in any way may contact Alex Hadley at 314-9331. Monetary donations may also be mailed to: Buena Vista First Baptist Church, PO Box 84, Buena Vista, GA 31803 (if writing a check, be sure to designate that it is for “Buena Vista Bargains”).
   Special thanks: Hadley said in addition to the help of First Baptist and individuals, she extends a special thanks to the following businesses: Wells & Welch Department Store, Dillard Grocery, The Dime Store, and Rocky’s Antiques, for their support. She also thanks the Marion County Public Library and another well-run local charity, Share the Season, for their help.
       
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LOCAL NEWS ITEMS
* Jackson elected president of Cusseta-Chattahoochee Chamber
* Watson reelected as chairman of Marion County School Board
* Cusseta's Wiehe completes first marathon
* McAllister crowned Miss Natioanl Pre-Teen Talent
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* 2-wheel sleighs deliver toys to Cusseta boys and girls
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* L.K. Moss 'Toys for Tots' program speads Christmas cheer
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* MMS Peer Helpers sponsor Food Drive
* Using Wildlife Management Areas
* Special Christmas tree at L.K. Moss Primary
* December is Fine Foregiveness Month at Schley County Library
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* What kids really want for Christmas
* 4th grade PAL students prepare veterans tribute
* First archery practice set for Jan. 23rd
* Letters to Santa from first graders
* Cusseta's Christmas bike winner
* Campbell celebrates second birthday
* Coaliton for Betterment of Marion County seeks more resident input
* Great gift idea for golfers
* Webster County School news
* Upcoming Marion County 4-H events
* Buena Vista offers free Adult Education classes
* Ellaville City Center is site of free Adult Ed classes
* Free GED classes offered in north Marion County

Christmas Story Contest Winners
* First Place - Wally Devane of Ellaville (Andrew's Christmas Story)
* Second Place - Kayla Tumlinson of Buena Vista (A Special Christmas Tree)
* Third Place - Bonnie Morris of Ellaville (A Christmas Story)
-- Plus 14 Honorable Mention Selections --

* PLUS opinion columns, obituaries, church news, and advertisements!
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