Barb Blanton wouldn’t mind being a professional shopper.
«I love to shop for bargains. I’m not an extreme coupon person, but I do like to get the best bang for my buck,» she said. «I pride myself on finding deals.»
Blanton shops for many more people than most during the Christmas season. She is the shopper for the annual Brighten A Christmas program.
Now in its 72nd year, the program launched Dec. 7, 1947, as a series of appeals encouraging groups, families and others to adopt families or contribute to purchase food baskets, Christmas trees, clothing and other items for those in need.
The News Journal has been a partner since the beginning.
«Brighten A Christmas is very important to all of us at the News Journal,» editor Gere Goble said. «Even in tough times, our readers have always been ready to help these families. We appreciate every contribution as we try to make this Christmas a little brighter.»
The program, which is a collaboration between the News Journal and Richland County Job and Family Services, underwent changes two years ago.
Donors now drop off only cash, checks or gift cards at any of the nine locations of Mechanics Bank. People wanting to donate to a particular case should note that on an envelope.
Last year, Mechanics continued as a partner, along with the New Store. A volunteer for the New Store purchased the gifts for families.
That was Blanton, who is back for more this year. The Lucas resident is the manager for the Mechanics Bank branch on Ashland Road in Madison Township.
«I remember reading (Brighten A Christmas) stories forever,» Blanton said of what influenced her to volunteer to be the shopper.
Blanton is a veteran of the Black Friday experience. She says she doesn’t even mind the long lines.
She takes the opportunity to talk to her fellow shoppers while they wait in the cold.
«It’s like a camaraderie,» Blanton said. «I have never encountered a mean person (on Black Friday).»
She said her four daughters want no part of going with her.
«They know I’m usually in it for the long haul,» Blanton said.
Blanton also likes to say she is a practical shopper, especially for Brighten A Christmas.
«I think of things you need around the house that may not be at the top of their list,» she said.
For example, each family in Brighten A Christmas receives a large laundry basket filled with detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, paper towels, toilet paper and dish soap.
If a family has a baby, Blanton makes sure to get the biggest boxes of diapers and wipes she can find.
You might not want to get behind Blanton in the checkout line. Last year, she bought 252 household items at one time from the Dollar Tree.
She also buys boxes, wrapping paper, gift tags and tape for each family.
Blanton gets the names and phone numbers of each family and personally contacts them to ask about specific needs.
Last year, one mom told Blanton that her son loved all things Spider-Man. She shopped until she found the boy a pair of Spider-Man tennis shoes.
«I just knew that he would be so happy,» Blanton said.
That’s the whole spirit behind Brighten A Christmas.
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Twitter: @MNJCaudill
