Give-A-Christmas raises more than $52,000
When after-deadline donations were counted, the Herald-Standard’s 2006 Give-A-Christmas campaign that benefits the Salvation Army has raised $52,594.29. That far exceeds the $40,000 goal and the Christmas Eve total, which was listed at $44,024.68.
Coordinator Karen Tweardy reported after-deadline donations included $5,000 from Atlas America Inc., $2,028 from Sparkle collection buckets that were placed in single-copy outlets, $300 from the Woodland Zoo’s Lights on the Mountain and other donations.
Marci F. Bleichmar, vice president of marketing for Atlas America, in a Feb. 5 letter to Tweardy wrote: “Pittsburgh-based Atlas America Inc. is an energy company engaged primarily in the development and production of natural gas in the Appalachian Basin for its own account and for its investors through the offering of tax-advantaged investment programs. Over the past 33 years, Atlas has become one of the largest independent energy companies in the region and currently operates approximately 5,100 oil and gas wells.
“Atlas strongly believes in giving back to the communities where we drill. With that in mind, please accept our donation of $5,000 to be used in your annual Give-A-Christmas campaign. It is our hope that our donation will help make a difference to those in need.’
Give-A-Christmas also tried some new approaches this year, participating in Uniontown’s Magical Cookie Tour, which raises money for local charities, and an in-house program in which Herald-Standard employees who made donations were able to compete to have a room in their house decorated for the holidays.
The campaign’s biggest supporter once again was the Albert Gallatin School District, which donated more than $13,000 to Give-A-Christmas. Donations came from students, teachers, parents and friends.
But participation in Give-A-Christmas comes from throughout the community.
“We get churches, organizations, individuals and a lot of school classrooms,’ said Tweardy. “Some participate year after year. The Albert Gallatin School District is organized but we consistently get donations from all the schools.’
The amount of donations also varies.
Tweardy said, “Every year, we receive a couple of donations of $2 in an envelope as well as donations of up to thousands of dollars.’
Why do people participate in Give-A-Christmas?
“I honestly think one of the biggest things is that it goes back to our community,’ said Tweardy. “People realize the community is in need and it’s a tangible way to make an impact. This has been here for 21 years so it’s been a tradition for people to participate.’
Since its inception in 1986, Give-A-Christmas has raised $719,144.28 for the Salvation Army.
Tweardy expressed thanks to everyone who participated in the campaign.
“For anybody who was a first-time donor to those who make it a part of their Christmas tradition,’ she said.