Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Miami Herald - Sunday, December 9, 1990
Jeffrey Kleinman, Herald Staff Writer
Santa came through. Not with the latest in electronic wizardry or the newest in flowery perfumes.
Jim Sugarman's gifts were ones of comfort.
Dressed in a Santa Claus costume, he arrived last year with presents for everyone -- new slippers, a bathrobe, a teddy bear. In return he got hugs, kisses and tears of thanks. That was his present.
Sugarman, an administrator with the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, initiated the gift-giving last year with the mission of raising the holiday spirits of those sick or dying from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Once again, dozens of volunteers are collecting, wrapping and delivering presents to those afflicted with AIDS or the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. The social service agency is seeking donated gifts such as toiletries, pajamas, sheets and towels.
Delivery to about 650 people with AIDS and their families will begin later this week and run through Christmas Eve. Last year, gifts went to about 200 households.
"We want to present the warmth of the holiday," said Sugarman, director of program resources for the Comprehensive AIDS Program (CAP). "We're more than just a clinical social service agency. We really have a sensitive heart."
If county AIDS statistics continue to climb, Sugarman and his elves will be delivering more gifts next year. So far in 1990, there have been 238 new AIDS cases in Palm Beach County, the third highest in the state behind Dade and Broward, according to the state Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.
AIDS patients being assisted by CAP already have received Christmas cards. About 20 of the most seriously ill shut-ins also will get Christmas dinner, said Michael Taylor, another volunteer for the agency.
Sugarman knew his gift-giving was a success when he arrived at the home of one young person with AIDS last year.
"He was not anticipating anyone reaching out to him during the holiday," Sugarman said. "When he knew I was coming, he had food ready for me. He wanted to reach back in his own way."
The donated gifts this year are piling up in volunteer Dale Maryfield's office at the agency's headquarters on the sixth floor of a West Palm Beach office building. Some of the colorful gift baskets bunched together on a conference table include toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Simple things for people in great need.
"Little things mean a lot," Maryfield said.
The most sought donation this year are teddy bears and other stuffed animals. Something to hold on to means a lot to someone dying of AIDS.
"They're small little cuddly things that people cling to to make them comfortable," Maryfield said.
When volunteers deliver the holiday cheer, they just won't be dropping off bundles on the door stoop. They'll spend some time with families, perhaps give them a hug or two. In the Glades, Comprehensive AIDS Program volunteers will deliver gifts at a Christmas party.
"It's heartwarming to deliver a gift and see someone's eyes brighten up," Maryfield said. "It makes all of us feel the spirit of the holiday still exists for someone."
To donate a gift to the Comprehensive AIDS Program Holiday Project, bring it to 2090 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 600, West Palm Beach. Or call 687-3400 during weekday business hours.
CAPTION: PHOTO Volunteer Dale Maryfield packs presents (s)
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