More donations arrive for Give-A-Christmas
Like the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2006 Give-A-Christmas campaign is picking up steam. But also like the Steelers, time is running out and there are some serious doubts that the campaign will reach its goal this year.
Monday’s donations totaled $3,254.27, making it one of the best days of the campaign this year. But even with that windfall, the campaign has only raised $16,095.98, far short of its $40,000 goal. And with the days dwindling until the campaign’s deadline of noon Friday, donations are needed now more than ever.
Despite the troubling situation, though, Sparkle the Christmas star remain optimistic.
“I just know we’re going to reach that goal,’ said Sparkle, noting that all proceeds benefit the Salvation Army. “I know that everyone wants to make sure that all the poor boys and girls out there have a Merry Christmas. We have a ways to go, but I just know we can do it. But please make your donations today because time is running out.”
Sparkle said there were too many cards with the donations to read them all, but there were a few that she found especially heartwarming.
“Don’t worry. We have so many caring neighbors. I just know they won’t let you down,’ wrote Jean Borsodi of Point Marion. “I am sending a donation in honor of my grandchildren, Samantha, Danielle, Rebecca, Alexandria, Rachel, Sarah, Joseph, Abigal and Amanda.’
“Please accept this donation in memory of Michael and Martha Susa,’ wrote Larraine Susa. “Congratulations on another year of promoting the holiday spirit of our community and best wishes for achieving your goal!’
“This year’s contribution is in memory of two ladies that were fairest among thousands. The late Ruth Weaver and Carolyn A. Wheeler,’ wrote the Rev. Louis and Gwendolyn Ridgley. “Their legacy of love and caring will always be a treasured memory by those who had the honor and privilege to have been ‘touched’ by them.’
“We are happy to report a second generation of Sparkle fans in the Gabeletto house,’ wrote Michael, Rose and Anthony Gabeletto. “This year’s contribution is courtesy of our son, Michael Anthony, in honor of his grandmother, Joanne Gabeletto and in memory of his deceased grandparents Harry Gabeletto and Michael and Elizabeth Zavatchan.’
“God bless the Salvation Army. We are sending a donation in memory of our parents and grandparents. Hoping you reach your goal this year. We wish to remain anonymous from Star Junction.’
Donations can be mailed to Give-A-Christmas, P.O. Box 1147, Uniontown, Pa., 15401 or brought to the Herald-Standard offices in Connellsville and Uniontown weekdays during business hours.
Sparkle cans also have been placed in 250 store locations in the Herald-Standard distribution area.
All the money raised goes to the Salvation Army. The money is returned to the Salvation Army’s units in the area where the money was raised.
Here’s a list of the other donors: R.W. Clark Elementary 3rd grade Students and Teachers, Uniontown; Thomas and Patricia O’Connell, Smithfield, in honor of our troops; Callahan and Callahan Real Estate, Point Marion; Allison Christian Women’s Fellowship, Allison; William and Terry Ainsley, Uniontown, in memory of Jim and Nan Gergely and Paul and Jeanne Ainsley; The Olesky Family, Brownsville; Wayne and Alice Mitchell, Cardale; Anna Hickle, Masontown, in honor of parents Clarence and Geraldine Bricker, William and Betty Chappell, Annabelle Livengood, granddaughter Alyssa Swaney and in memory of dad Joseph Hickle; Larry and Janet Shinsky, Uniontown; Calvary United Methodist Church, Rebekah Circle, Uniontown; Elizabeth Swartz, Uniontown; David and Frances Abel and the patrons of Spaw’s Tavern in Rosedale, Uniontown, in memory of mother Louise Marvin and all loved ones; Andrew and Saunie Angel, McClellandtown; Lonnie Miller, Carmichaels: Farmington Bethel Church of the Brethren, Farmington; Daniel and Dolores Lukotch, Uniontown; Lorraine Bradstock, Uniontown, in memory of loved ones; Margaret Sintich and family, Uniontown, in memory of husband Joseph B. Sintich; C. Blaine and Dolores Miller, Connellsville; Ken, Benita, Kenny, Paul, Keith, Liz, Nina, Jesse James, Jack Jeffries, Uniontown, in memory of our friend and pastor Jim Tweardy; Frances and Donald Lilley, Masontown, in honor of Phyllis, Don, Holly and Hope.
Ruth Ann Rosner-Swift, Smithfield, in memory of mom Betty Rosner; Kathy Sikina, in memory of husband Ed Sikina; Wesley Ellis, Uniontown; Margaret E. Caven Shrine #42 WSJ, Uniontown; Mary Lou Malone and Jim Hutchinson, Uniontown, in memory of the Hoone, Malone and Hutchinson Families; Uniontown Staff of Smith, Lewis, Chess and Co., Uniontown, in honor of Bill Smithy, Dan Chess, Joe Siebart and Ken Riddell; Sam and Etta Leos, Uniontown, in memory of parents John and Ethel Jenkins and Julius and Jessie Leos; Helen Grubb, Uniontown; Anonymous, Uniontown; Vincent and Nancy D’Auria, Uniontown, in loving memory of daughter Nancy Jane; Jim and Mary Lee Shetler, Republic, in honor of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Mike and Sandy Vrabel, New Salem, in memory of beloved son Scott A. Vrabel; Interfaith Assembly for Christ Church, Uniontown.
Judy, Gary and Jennifer Rable, Merrittstown, in memory of mother Marie Urusko; Miriam Wilson, Uniontown; Bill and Mary Ann Petruska, Uniontown, in memory of all Petruska and Palya family members; Sam, Patty and Vincent Franks, Uniontown; Stanley and Christine Glebes, Uniontown; Mr. Loren Hughes, Chalk Hill; Anna and Joe Sarko, Uniontown, in honor of their two wonderful grandchildren, Isabel and Thomas; Ken and Patty Burkholder, Carmichaels, in memory of William N. Myers and Jean Burkholder; Mike Esposito, Denise Esposito, Stephen Jenkins, Uniontown; Betty J. Barnes, Uniontown, in memory of husband Charles W. Barnes; Kerry and Sharon Whoolery, Fairchance; Eleanor Slick, Brownsville; Anonymous, Masontown, in memory of Paul and Dora Pontorero; Janet Michael, Uniontown; Zola Bucklew, Uniontown, for late husband Russell Bucklew; Stephen Winsler Jr., Uniontown, in memory of father and mother Stephen Winsler Sr. and Mary Zentkovich Winsler whom I love dearly and will always remember, especially at the holidays; Edward and Victoria Maldovan, Uniontown, in memory of Victoria Barno, John Barno, John Maldovan and Rich Maldovan; Andrea Janson, Uniontown; Cub Scout Pack #608 and families from Third Presbyterian Church-Ken Jeffries, Cubmaster, Uniontown, in memory of the Rev. James Tweardy.