Give-A-Christmas nears $3,000 mark
Total: $2,914.85
Goal: $25,000
Reader contributions are moving the 2016 Give-A-Christmas fund that benefits the Salvation Army to $2,914.85.
That includes $271 in donations sent from residents of Uniontown, Smithfield, Smock, Fayette City and Farmington as well as $225.96 that was donated at a collection at Kmart in Belle Vernon last Friday.
“That’s so wonderful. Thank you very much. We want to keep this collection growing so we can reach our goal of raising $25,000 for the Salvation Army,” said Sparkle, the Christmas star, who is mascot for the campaign.
Sparkle also received some nice notes sent recently by readers with their gifts:
“Dear Friends, We extend our thanks to the Herald-Standard for once again partnering with the Salvation Army to help meet the needs of many people of our community. We also extend our thanks to the Salvation Army for all that they do to allow people to experience the love of Jesus at Christmas when we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world,” wrote Pastor Nicholas J. Cook of Abundant Life Church in Uniontown.
“Hope you reach your goal,” wrote Margaret Dugan of Farmington, who gave in memory of her daughter Danielle Ruth Dugan Jones.
“Dear Sparkle, This offering is in memory of our two co-workers Denise Hennessey and Duncan Rishel, two nice people to work with and know,” wrote Anonymous in Uniontown.
“Dear Sparkle, My sister and I have been so fortunate our entire lives and we hope that this small amount of money will help someone in need. Have a Merry Christmas,” wrote Lauryn and Madison Price of Smithfield.
“These messages make me feel so nice. I’m very happy when you write,” said Sparkle, who added, “I know this is a busy time of year but we appreciate when our readers take time to make a donation to the campaign.”
Other donors include Gary T. Glisan, in memory of mother Sara Glisan, Smock; Henry Redman, in memory of Sara Jean Redman, “We miss you Sara,” Pap Sonny, Gram, Candy, Fayette City; Juniata Methodist Church, Uniontown, and Doris Gismondi, Ralph, Uniontown.
Donations will be collected until 5 p.m. Dec. 22. The final total will be announced in the Christmas Day edition of the Herald-Standard.
Contributions may be mailed to Give-A-Christmas in care of the Herald-Standard, 8-18 E. Church St., Uniontown, PA 15401 or brought to the Herald-Standard office weekdays during business hours.