Give-A-Christmas campaign opens
The 2002 Give A Christmas campaign gets under way today with its highest goal ever: $40,000. The money will be used to help Salvation Army programs in the Herald-Standard and Greene County Messenger readership areas provide for those in need.
Sparkle, the Christmas star, who is official mascot for the campaign, said, “That’s a lot of money but I’m sure we can do it. We already have a tremendous start with a $1,000 donation from Wal-Mart to help us kick off our campaign. Thank you very much Wal-Mart! By pulling together as a community, we’ll be able to meet our goal and help a lot of people.’
Sparkle is also confident of reaching the new goal because the campaign has raised more than $40,000 in the last three years. In 2001, the campaign total stood at $59,688.70 after the final donations came in.
“That was made possible by the many kind and generous people we have in the area,’ said Sparkle.
In 2001, the largest donor was Resource America Inc. (RAI), which contributed $23,204. That was followed by the Albert Gallatin School District where students, teachers, parents and friends worked together to donate $9,186.81. For years, Albert Gallatin had been the largest contributor to the campaign.
“Thanks to both of you for being so very generous to Give A Christmas,’ said Sparkle.
And as of 2001, Give A Christmas has raised $471,263.84 since 1986.
Sparkle said, “I’m thankful for all the contributions of individuals, schools, businesses and organizations through the years. By working together, everyone has done so much to help others.’
All funds contributed to Give a Christmas are turned over to the Salvation Army, which has 16 branches in the Herald-Standard and Greene County Messenger readership areas. This is the 17th year that the campaign has been in operation.
The total collection will be reported in the Christmas Eve edition of the Herald-Standard and the Dec. 26 edition of the Greene County Messenger. Deadline for donations is noon on Monday, Dec. 23.
Donations by readers are sent to the service unit that provides for the area in which they live.
But readers can designate that their funds go to another service unit. Service units do not share funds. All money raised in an area stays in that area unless the donor requests otherwise.
Captain John Riley of the Uniontown Corps, noted that more people are asking for and receiving help this year in the greater Uniontown area.
He commented, “With Sparkle, we are able to help families with what’s needed at Christmastime and throughout the year.’
The 16 units of the Salvation Army which receive funds from the campaign include:
Fayette County
Brownsville services Brownsville, Allison, Brier Hill, East Millsboro, Keisterville, Waltersburg, Grindstone, LaBelle, Merrittstown, Newell, Republic and Smock.
Connellsville provides for residents of Connellsville, South Connellsville, Champion, Dunbar, Everson, Indian Head, Melcroft, Normalville and White.
Dawson-Vanderbilt serves residents in Dawson, Dickerson Run and Vanderbilt.
Hopwood-Markleysburg takes care of residents in Brownfield, Hopwood, Chalk Hill, Markleysburg, Farmington, Gibbon Glade and Ohiopyle.
Masontown services Masontown, Adah, Hiller, Leckrone, McClellandtown, Ronco and Lamberton.
New Salem handles residents in New Salem, Cardale, Fairbank, Hibbs, Isabella and Uledi.
Perryopolis takes care of residents in Perryopolis, Layton, Star Junction, Whitsett and Wickhaven.
Point Marion serves residents of Point Marion, Fairchance, Gans, Lake Lynn, Martin, New Geneva, Smithfield and Springhill Township.
Uniontown provides for the greater Uniontown area.
Greene County
Carmichaels serves residents of Carmichaels, Dilliner, Greensboro, Nemacolin, Daisytown, Garards Fort and Mount Morris.
Jefferson-Mather provides for residents of Jefferson, Clarksville and Mather.
Rices Landing takes care of residetns of Crucible and Rices Landing.
Waynesburg helps residents of Waynesburg, Aleppo, Bobtown, Brave, Graysville, Holbrook, Wind Ridge, Rogersville, New Freeport, Nineveh, Pine Bank, Spraggs and Sycamore.
Somerset County
Confluence services Confluence, Fort Hill, Addison, Listonburg and Ursina.
Washington County
California serves residents of California, Coal Center, Daisytown and Denbo.
Westmoreland County
Mount Pleasant serves Mount Pleasant, Acme, Alverton, Calumet, Mammoth, Norvelt, Ruffsdale, Southwest Tarrs and United.