Give-A-Christmas drive hits $16,867
The 2004 Give-A-Christmas fund continues to climb, with today’s total standing at $16,867. “Wow. This is fantastic,’ said Sparkle, the Christmas star, the official mascot for the campaign. “We’re so pleased with these results and we know that you will continue to give. Remember, all the money raised by Give-A-Christmas goes to the Salvation Army, which helps so many people. By making a contribution, you are helping your own neighbors.
“But please hurry,’ she continued. “We will continue to collect money until Dec. 23, and we want to reach our goal of $35,000. Won’t you help today?’
The most recent donations came from Uniontown, Brownsville, Carmichaels, Chalk Hill, Fayette City, Mill Run, Wickhaven, Masontown, Smithfield and Smock.
They included donations from individuals that ranged from $100 to $500. Bear Run Church of the Brethren in Mill Run donated $300. Other groups that participated included the Uniontown Larger Parish Men’s Group and Calvin United Presbyterian Church and Session members of Brownsville.
“Thank you all so much for your generosity,’ said Sparkle.
The Christmas star also received Christmas cards with some nice notes:
“Dear Sparkle: Enclosed please find our donation from the Bear Run Church of the Brethren to help make Christmas a little more merrier for some families. May God bless.’
“Enclosed is our annual donation in honor of our 11 grandchildren: Matthew, Lauren, Stephanie, Eric, Luke and Nicholas Gabriel and Melanie, Brianna, Alexis and Cassandra Hoffman and James Skroupa. Merry Christmas to all!’ Art and Millie Gabriel of Uniontown.
“Dear Sparkle: Please accept our donation to your Give-A-Christmas in memory of our mother and father, Jean Reed and Ray “Pap’ Smith Sr. Happy Holidays. We hope you meet your goal.’ Christy and Ray Smith of Uniontown.
“Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.’ Margaret Brashear of Masontown.
“In loving memory of our son, Jeffrey. Merry Christmas to all H-S employees.’ Ira and Ruth Rice of Uniontown.
“Dear Sparkle: It’s not much but please accept this donation in memory of our deceased dads Martin ‘Guffy’ Gasparatz and Arthur Campbell. Hope you reach and exceed your goal. Merry Christmas.’ Wil and Patty Campbell of Uniontown.
“Dear Sparkle: I would like to send this to you in memory of two very special friends: Ryan Maloney and Justin Kingan, both of Smithfield. May we all have a blessed and Merry Christmas. With love and prayers.’ Jenell Meyokovich of Smithfield.
Today contributors were:
Wesley C. Ellis, Uniontown, in memory of Helen B. Calkins; Harry, Nancy, Rob and Rick, Uniontown, in memory of Shirley; Calvin United Presbyterian Church and Session Members, Brownsville, with blessings to families and loved ones, service men and women and their families, and in memory of Bryan Martini; John and Monica Sweet, Uniontown; Christy and Ray Smith, Uniontown, in memory of mother and father Jean Reed and Ray “Pap” Smith Sr.; Charles and Lonnie Barnhart, Carmichaels; Sharon and Mike Hancak, Chalk Hill; Elizabeth Swartz, Uniontown; Vivian Poindexter, Fayette City; Bear Run Church of the Brethren, Mill Run; Kathryn Moore, Uniontown; Jean Zasadny, Wickhaven, in memory of husband Walter Zasadny and parents Russell and Goldie Chalfant; Art and Millie Gabriel, Uniontown, in honor of grandchildren: Matthew, Lauren, Stephanie, Eric, Luke and Nicholas Gabriel, Melanie Brianna, Alexis and Cassandra Hoffman and James Skroupa; M. Lorraine Bradstock, Uniontown, in memory of husband Russell “Bud” Bradstock and mother Martha Baker Fields; Steve and Theresa Petruska, Uniontown; Ira and Ruth Rice, Uniontown, in loving memory of son Jeffrey; Dorothy Toth, Uniontown; Daniel and Dolores Lukotch, Uniontown; Margaret Brashear, Masontown; Harold and Margaret Carter, Uniontown, in memory of parents and Pamela Jean and Linda Carter; Wil and Patty Campbell, Uniontown, in memory of deceased dads – Martin “Guffy” Gasparatz and Arthur Campbell; Chris and Nancy Decker, Uniontown, in memory of the Rev. Jim Tweardy; Jenell Meyokovich, Smithfield, in memory of two very special friends – Ryan Maloney and Justin Kingan; Mike and Dorie Liptak, Uniontown, in loving memory of parents and deceased loved ones and in honor of aunt Ann Valewski of Michigan; Uniontown Larger Parish Men’s Group, Uniontown, in memory of the Rev. Jim Tweardy; Eleanor and Ernie Farina, Smock; John and Annette Mamula, Uniontown, in memory of Uncle John Fagler.
The Herald-Standard will continue to collect funds through noon Thursday, Dec. 23.
The final total will be reported in the Christmas Eve edition.
Donations can be mailed to Give-A-Christmas, P.O. Box 1147, Uniontown 15401 or brought to the desks of the Herald-Standard offices in Connellsville, Brownsville and Uniontown weekdays during business hours. Also, Sparkle cans have been placed in 250 store locations in the Herald-Standard distribution area.