2011 Volunteer Report

In 2011 over 400 volunteers donated their time to make the Christmas Storybook Land Presentation a success. Volunteers worked together on fundraising activities throughout the year to support the costs for new scenes, repairs, and all the other costs of putting on this FREE event for people throughout the Willamette Valley.

Here is a list of Christmas Storybook Land 2011 events and successes:

• In May, Christmas Storybook Land initiated a Facebook account. By the end of 2011 Storybook Land had over 350 friends.
• In June Storybook Land launched a new website under the direction of Webmaster John Hood-Fysh owner of Wordsworth & More. In six months Storybook Land has had 7,347 unique visitors. See us at christmasstorybookland.org.
• In July at the Linn County Fair CSBL, over 75 volunteers spent 360 hours managing the parking lot by collecting parking fees and directing parking lot traffic.
• June-August volunteers sold business coupon strips to raise funds for Storybook Land. Discounts to nine local eateries were offered for just $1.00
• In August, 45 Storybook Land volunteers attended our annual Summer Gathering and Family Picnic.
• In November Applebee’s Restaurant provided a breakfast to benefit CSBL. Volunteers sold tickets and over 30 volunteers helped host and serve the breakfast.
• In October, 27 prospective volunteers attended an Orientation Gathering to learn about Storybook Land and the plans for the 2011 presentation from 16 of the board members.
• In November at the Albany Veterans Day Parade volunteers decorated and entered the Christmas Storybook Land Santa House float. Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elf entertained the crowds as some 20 Storybook Land volunteers walked the parade route
• In early January, 65 volunteers attended a Winter Gathering and thank you dinner to celebrate the successful season.

The BIG Show Results

In setting up and conducting the 2011 show over 400 volunteers of which almost half were youth came out to help. Some helped with picking up and bringing in the trees donated by Weyerhaeuser Co. from their tree thinning process. Some set up the trees, others strung wires and lights, decorated trees, unloaded truck trailers, set up scenes, greeted guests, and even filled in for Mr. and Mrs. Santa who were busy at the North Pole. Volunteers counted and boxed 21,710 food items for FISH donation and in the end, took down, reloaded the truck trailers, and cleaned the venue. All of this is done in five weeks! People from throughout the Willamette Valley—young and old—came to view the scenes during the two-week presentation. Attendance at the 2011 presentation was 26,368—our record setting season! In addition on Senior Citizens’ Day, 35 Santa helpers turned out to greet 512 seniors and help push wheelchairs around the venue. And another 30 volunteers welcomed and assisted 3,636 school children in enjoying Storybook Land in just four days.

Without volunteers Christmas Storybook Land would not be possible. If YOU are interested in being part of this heartwarming event, click here to contact us. Or to learn more specifics, view our Volunteer Opportunities.