Give-A-Christmas ends campaign with $21,988 to benefit Salvation Army
The Herald-Standard’s 2016 Give-A-Christmas campaign that benefits the Salvation Army ends with a total of $21,988.79 donated by generous readers.
“We want to thank everyone who contributed and helped us to raise these funds that will go to the Salvation Army in our readership area,” said Sparkle, the Christmas star, who served as mascot for the campaign. “Readers were so kind and generous. They gave from their hearts and that makes Christmas special.”
The latest donations included some nice notes:
“Thanks very much to the Herald-Standard for raising awareness with the Salvation Army Give-A-Christmas fund drive. The Give-A-Christmas fund encourages charity and reminds neighbors to do something for somebody else. That is what the Christmas season is all about. To boost the initiative, enclosed is a check for $1,200 from all at the Bruderhof. Wishing you, your family and everyone at the Herald-Standard joyful holidays, a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2017,” wrote Cristoval Wright, bishop, in Farmington.
“The help the Salvation Army provides to local needy families is both necessary and appreciated. Keep up the good work,” wrote Bernard and Eileen Quarrick of Uniontown.
“Merry Christmas from your friends at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish,” came with the donation from St. Francis of Assisi Parish of Western Fayette County.
“Sparkle, Thank you so much for all the hard work you do to help the local needy,” wrote Jerry and Wanda Matzus of Uniontown, who gave “in honor of our grandsons Walker and Carson Matzus and in memory of our mothers: Agnes Teets and Betty Matzus, brothers Kenny and Terrance Matzus and all of our other loved ones!”
“Merry Christmas Sparkle, I hope you meet your goal,” wrote Lisa and Ricky Ezzi of Uniontown.
“Dear Sparkle, Good luck in reaching your goal,” wrote Dan and Billie Andria of Fairchance, who gave “in honor of our grandchildren, Charlie and Delaney Crummie.”
“Hi Sparkle, We hope you reach your goal. Hope this helps a little. Keep up the good work. Blessings! Merry Christmas!” wrote Wil and Patty Campbell of Uniontown, who gave “In memory of our deceased fathers: Arthur Campbell and ‘Guffy’ Gasparatz.”
“Dear Sparkle, We wished to give you this ‘little’ bit to help with all our families in need in our area. With all of us helping ‘a little bit,’ it will equal a lot,” wrote Keith, Carla and Kevin Hager of Waltersburg, who gave “in honor of my college friend from Pitt, Debbie Kozlina, who passed away recently, and in honor of my mom, Charlotte Frankhouser, RN, who passed away last November. They added, “Sparkle, we love you.”
“Best wishes for a successful campaign. God bless,” wrote the Allison Christian Church Christian Women’s Fellowship.
“Dear Sparkle, Good luck in reaching your goal. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” wrote Jane Spade of Farmington, who gave “in memory of all our loved ones, and in honor of our loving grandchildren, Neeley and Bryce Anderson.”
“Sparkle, Thank you for bringing Christmas joy to so many,” wrote Linda and Barry Moore of Smithfield, who gave “in memory of all deceased of our family and in thanksgiving for God’s gifts.”
“Sparkle, We hope you reach your goal,” wrote Linda and Miss Molly Conn of Uniontown, who gave “in loving memory of Dick and Alice Conn.”
“Merry Christmas to all and a Happy and Healthy New Year!” wrote Stephen Petruska Jr. of Uniontown.
“Thank you for such kind wishes,” said Sparkle. “They really warm my heart.”
Other donors include Uniontown Area School District staff and students; Interfaith Assembly for Christ, Uniontown; R.W. Clark Elementary School/Laurel Highlands School District, Uniontown; Menallen Elementary School, Sparkle Slumber Party, Menallen Township; Charles and Stephen Conko, Uniontown; Jo and Mike Davidson, Uniontown; John and Marjorie Lubinski, Uniontown; Ronald and Barbara Chuska, Hopwood; Joy Huston, in memory of my brother Scott Gnagey and dear friend Tammy Rice, Uniontown; Anthony and Josephine Carolla, Uniontown; Audrey Gallo and Karen Wannagat, Crucible; Frank and Nancy Cetera, Chestnut Ridge; Masontown Business and Professional Women, Masontown; Anonymous, Adah; Rod and Karen Schoener, Smithfield; Joan Steratore, Farmington; Lucy David, “in memory of my husband Simon ‘Junebug’ David and also the Van Sickle and David families, Uniontown; Edward and Lillian Yanik, “in honor of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren Adam Yanik, Sophia Isabella, Luca Seth Yanik, Mackenzie Over, Bobbie Jo and William Johnson, Howie and Fletcher Johnson, Brownfield; Paradise Lakes Fishing and Fireworks, in memory of Fawn Paes and Tyler Hager; Gigi and Pap, “in honor of Jaden, J.J. and Elijah Lucosh, Uniontown; Anonymous, Uniontown.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in the campaign to help the Salvation Army,” said Sparkle. “We at the Herald-Standard hope that you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”