Eric L. Foxman, staff pharmacist at Linds Langley Drug and Linds Freeland Pharmacy, will return to the stage at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. with another benefit performance, this time for Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund.

In an evening of lighthearted storytelling called “Midwinter Light and Laughter,” Foxman will bring to life characters from some of literature’s best known authors, including P.G. Wodehouse and Anton Chekhov.

“There is so much fun in these stories, that I can’t think of a better way to beat the midwinter blues,” Foxman said.

Foxman balances humor and word-pictures in performance, along with a minimum of props. He relies instead on inspiring his audience to use their imaginations to make the many characters come alive.

“Everyone enjoys themselves,” he said. “I guarantee all will have a good time.”

This is the Whidbey Island resident’s third benefit performance at WICA. During the last two years, Foxman has performed tales from American classic short story writer O.Henry in benefits for the Whidbey Island Waldorf School. Foxman will bring this year’s program to a teachers’ conference in Bellingham next month.

“Midwinter Light and Laughter” is being underwritten by the Linds Pharmacies in Langley and Freeland in support of Friends of Friends.

The all-volunteer organization is South Whidbey’s medical safety net and is supported by donations and grants from individuals, businesses, churches, community groups and foundations in the community.

Since being founded six years ago, Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund has helped more than 250 people from Clinton to Greenbank with uncovered medical costs. In just the last year, more than 150 people were assisted with almost $50,000 in medical expenses for doctors, dentists, hospitals, prescriptions, laboratory tests, medical transportation and emergency utilities.

As the Linds pharmacist as well as a consultant to the complementary pharmaceutical industry, Foxman said he’s very aware of what Friends of Friends does for people.

“I’ve had the chance to see the amazing support that Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund gives to our residents,” he said. There are many times when the Support Fund is all that has made it possible for a patient to get the medical care they need without the worry that may accompany the potential financial hardship the patient is going through at the time.

“And it isn’t just patients without insurance,” Foxman said. “The fund has picked up the cost of a number of patients’ insurance co-pays when they weren’t able to make ends meet. And it’s all done confidentially; the volunteers of this organization are really wonderful. I’m happy to provide this benefit evening for them.”

In addition to the gift of his performance, Foxman noted, the Linds pharmacies are paying for all of the evening’s expenses.

“One-hundred percent of the audience’s donations will help those in need.”

Admission is by contribution at the door.

Those interested in being a part of Friends of Friends can send donations to P.O. Box 812, Langley WA 98260.

“They can also go to the evening of Midwinter Light and Laughter at WICA, where they’ll have a great time, while knowing they’re helping a good cause at the same time,” Foxman said.