Annual Give-A-Christmas event brings out true meaning of the holidays
The annual Herald-Standard Give-A-Christmas campaign kicks off today, looking once again to support local branches of The Salvation Army.
“The role of a local community newspaper is to support those that help that community each and every day, especially when it comes to serving those in need. Our Salvation Army does exactly that, day in and day out,” said newspaper Publisher Michael Scott.
This year marks the 39th year the Herald-Standard will be running the campaign, with a goal of raising $20,000. All funds raised through Give-A-Christmas remain local, supporting Salvation Army service centers in Fayette County.
“The community was so generous last year and we were able to raise over $26,000,” said campaign mascot Sparkle the Christmas star. “This year I think there are going to be some real stars who are going to show us the true meaning of the holiday season.
Lt. Rob Long, who is stationed at The Salvation Army in Uniontown, said the annual Give-A-Christmas campaign allows residents to help support the nonprofits’ many charitable endeavors.
Among those programs are the soup kitchen, food and hygiene pantries, a social service office and Love in a Backpack, which provides weekend meals to elementary school students in the Laurel Highlands School District.
“It’s such an important event that really brings out the best in people from all over the community,” Long said.
Chrstine Bell, the social ministry coordinator of The Salvation Army in Uniontown, said this year’s donations are particularly important due to the increased needs of the community.
“I’d have to say a majority of the families we serve are working families that just can’t make ends meet this year for Christmas,” Bell said. “Christmas can be a hard stretch for families.”
And while the donations will go to many of the philanthropic services offered, Bell said one her favorite traditions is helping supply Christmas presents to the children.
“It’s incredible to see the excitement and joy of these kids when they come into my office and talk about Santa and tell me how they would really love to have Spider-Man stuff for their room,” she said. “The little things can really make a big difference.”
Contributions for the Sparkle campaign will be accepted through Dec. 23 and can be mailed to Give-A-Christmas, c/o Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, Pa., 15401. Checks should be made out to Give-A-Christmas. Additionally, donations may be dropped off at the newspaper office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch for periodic updates on where the campaign stands in the Herald-Standard and on heraldstandard.com. The grand total raised will be announced in the Christmas Eve edition of the newspaper.