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‘Magical’ Sunday evening will benefit those in need By Buffy Pollock Updated: Nov 25, 2022 03:19 PM A A Terrie Day prepares for Christmas at Sweet Rose Farm, scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune] When Jacksonville mom and diehard community volunteer Sadie Cummings approached Sweet Rose Farm owner Terrie Day in 2018, she had a fun idea for a toy drive delivered via community Christmas shindig. Day, a seasoned event planner — and also a big fan of putting some good into the universe — couldn’t resist the idea. Instant friends, the two ladies hosted what would be the first of a fun annual holiday celebration at Day’s picturesque farm on Old Stage Road. Five years later, the event is a local favorite. A fun evening of celebrating the holidays, Christmas on Sweet Rose Farm — from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday — has ALL the holiday favorites rolled into one. A benefit for families served by The Salvation Army, Christmas on the Farm is billed as “one magical evening of merrymaking, giving, shopping and kicking off Christmas.” Think gorgeous scenery, twinkly lights, vendors to shop from, trolley rides around the farm, hot cocoa, food trucks serving up dinner, visits with Santa and a tree lot from which to pick your holiday tree. Toy donations are collected in a vintage 1959 Ford F100 Panel truck — a family rig handed down from Day’s dad to her brother. Artisans on hand will include 14 local makers offering a wide variety of giftworthy goodies. While toys collected during the event go directly to The Salvation Army, ticket proceeds will be used to shop for presents for local teens, said Day. “This year, something kind of new, we’re charging $10 admission. And the main reason for that is every year, as we’re packing up these gifts for families, there’s a huge shortage of gifts for teenagers,” said Day. “I’m as guilty as anyone, as I’m picking a tag off a tree and wanting to get something fun, my mind goes to getting something fun for a cute, little 6-year-old or ... buying a fun toy for a baby. I mean, I get it. I’m a mom of two teenagers, and it’s hard for even ME to buy for them. But we just wanted to make sure and take care of the older kids this year and make sure we’re able to do enough for them.” Tree lot sales will go to help with expenses for the senior class of Rogue Valley Adventist Academy, Day said. Day said the event is a special way to kick off the season, which everyone knows, she teases, begins immediately after Thanksgiving leftovers have been put away. On a personal note for Day, the toy drive tugs at her heartstrings more than most. “Sadie came to me with the idea five years ago, and I immediately was on board because we have this beautiful property, and I loved the idea of a toy drive. Sadie grew up attending charity events in the valley, and she has amazing ideas for helping the community,” Day added. “My background is that I was one of the recipients of those Salvation Army toy drives. Had it not been for The Salvation Army, all through probably at least fifth grade, we wouldn’t have had anything under the tree on Christmas morning.” With last year’s event generating a few hundred guests, and far more toy donations than the number of attendees, Day said she is hopeful for a great turnout this year. “For me, it’s kind of come full-circle. I understand all the aspects of it from putting on an event like this, but I also know what it feels like to be a recipient of those donated gifts,” she said. “I’ve rang the bell for The Salvation Army to fill the kettle. Hosting an event was the next step. It means so much to get gifts to these families in need.” Day smiled to think of all the children on Christmas Day, tearing wrapping paper off lovingly donated toys, dolls and other goodies. “I remember getting Barbie dolls — back when Barbies were a huge thing. I’d get Barbie dolls, and my brother would get cars or trucks and car haulers,” she said. “What people don’t realize, too, is that along with those gifts, they bring you a food basket complete with cranberries and stuffing and turkey and all the fixings. They bring you a full meal, which a lot of families couldn’t otherwise afford. … They bring Christmas, and we feel really honored to help in some small way.” For event information and to purchase tickets, see eventbrite.com/e/christmas-on-sweet-rose-farm-tickets-406387675477 Reach reporter Buffy Pollock at 541-776-8784 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal