Readers send more donations
As the deadline draws near, Herald-Standard readers sent in $1,833 more in donations to the Give-A-Christmas campaign that benefits the Salvation Army. The total stands at $24,490.50.
“We have a long way to go to make our goal of raising $40,000 for the Salvation Army but I am hopeful that we will make it.
“Remember, our deadline is noon on Thursday,” said Sparkle, the Christmas star, who is the official mascot for the campaign.
The latest contributions came from Uniontown, Hiller, Masontown, Republic, Chalk Hill, Lemont Furnace, Vanderbilt, Brownsville, Connellsville, Mill Run, Crucible and Farmington. Several groups became involved: Mr. Cowsert’s second grade class from R.W. Clark School in the Laurel Highlands School District in Uniontown, Ladies Auxiliary, AMVETS Post 103, Hopwood; Ethnic Craft Club of St. John Byzantine Catholic Church of Uniontown; the Ad Service Department of the Herald Standard, Calvin United Presbyterian Church session, choir and all who attend in Brownsville, St. Michael Greek Catholic Lodge 81 in Uniontown, Rebekah Circle of Calvary United Methodist Church in Uniontown, and students and staff of G.C. Marshall Elementary School in the Laurel Highlands School District in Uniontown.
In addition, several families worked together to give donations.
“Thanks so much. This is wonderful,” said Sparkle.
The Christmas star received many nice notes, including one from the Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association, who recently sent a donation:
“Dear Sparkle, Happy Holidays from the Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association. It is our pleasure to contribute $500 this year to your effort in helping others in need during this holiday season. Thanks to those in Fayette County and the surrounding area who frequent our Steak Sandwich Booth during the Fayette County Fair. They enable us to contribute back to our community. Season’s Greetings.”
“What a wonderful way to give back to the community,” said Sparkle.
There were several other notes.
“Dear Sparkle, The students and staff of George C. Marshall Elementary in the Laurel Highlands School District would like to make a donation of $200 in honor of all students and staff who are a part of our school. Students received a candy cane when they made a donation during Dec. 15-17. We hope this helps with your Give-A-Christmas campaign for the Salvation Army. Merry Christmas,” wrote Norma Cunningham, teacher.
“Dear Sparkle, The members of St. Michael GCU Lodge 81 would like to donate $100 to the Give-A-Christmas campaign. May God bless you all and have a happy and healthy Christmas. Merry Christmas,” wrote Stephen Petruska Jr., lodge secretary.
“Dear Sparkle, Please accept this donation from Ethnic Craft Club of St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, 201 E. Main St., Uniontown, Father Ronald Larko, pastor. Thank you for all the good you do to bring joy to lives of many during the Christmas season. Christ is born! Glorify him!” wrote St. John Ethnic Craft Club.
“Dear Sparkle, Thank you for all the work you do to help others. Keep up the good work. In memory of all our loved ones and for all those who are sick and in our prayers. For all the servicemen and women who are working for freedom for us all. Have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. Love and prayers and blessings,” wrote Darlene Jacobs for Calvin United Presbyterian Church, session, choir and all that attend our church in Brownsville.
“Dear Sparkle, This donation is in memory of my late parents Joseph R. and Louise Marian. I hope you reach your goal to help those in need,” wrote Mary Jo Sigut of Uniontown.
“Thank you so much Sparkle for all the good work. These checks are in loving memory of Dick Conn and in memory of John and Hazel Cluss and Kathy Sikina. Bless you,” wrote Linda and Alice Conn of Uniontown.
“Dear Sparkle, We are sending this donation in memory of Nick and Katherine Pechatsko and Beverly Snyder. We hope this contribution will help to make your star shine brighter. Merry Christmas to all and God bless,” wrote Richard and Beverly Pechatsko of Masontown.
“Thank you for all your good works. In memory of Pap Suter,” wrote the Roger Suter family of Connellsville.
“Merry Christmas to all the sparkle people. This is in memory of my husband Vernon Hiltabidel,” wrote Toni Hiltabidel of Mill Run.
“Dear Sparkle, Thank you for doing such a great job in helping the unfortunate ones at this blessed season. Please accept this gift in memory of my husband Roy W. Anderson. He is greatly missed,” wrote his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Vanderbilt.
“Dear Sparkle, We just want to take time and say Merry Christmas and God bless. This is in memory of J.J. Landman. We love and miss him so much,” wrote Webb, Patty, Terri and Tommy Landman and Harry Hixson of Lemont Furnace.
“Dear Sparkle, This donation is in loving memory of my mom, Evelyn (Jeannie) McCormick. I hope that you reach your goal this year. Merry Christmas,” wrote Melanie Hyjurick of Uniontown.
“Dear Sparkle, Thank you for all you do to help the less fortunate in our area,” wrote Ted and Elaine Frantz of Uniontown.
“Dear Sparkle, Merry Christmas from the Ad Service Department of the Herald-Standard,” wrote Gloria, Dolores, Susan, Joyce, Kerry, Jo and Lisa.
“Thanks to everyone for his or her kind thoughts and donations. Remember, if you want to be involved, please hurry,” said Sparkle.
“There isn’t much time left. If you want to help, please bring your donations in as soon as possible.”
Contributions to the campaign will continue to be received until noon Thursday. The final amount raised will be reported in the Christmas Eve edition of the newspaper.
Donations for the campaign, which is marking a quarter century of helping local residents, can be mailed to Give-A-Christmas, PO. Box 1147, Uniontown, Pa. 15401, or brought to the Herald-Standard office in Uniontown during business hours. Sparkle cans have been placed in numerous store locations in the Herald-Standard distribution area. Readers can also upload or view Sparkle photos for Give-A-Christmas fundraisers at My Take at www.heraldstandard.com.
Today’s other donors include anonymous, in memory of Margie Zack, Uniontown; Dave, Cherie and Katey Pursglove, in memory of Ross David Pursglove, Hiller; Paradise Lakes in Cardale, Republic; Terry and Karol Snead, in memory of Jean Borsodi; anonymous, Uniontown; Lois Schollaert, Chalk Hill; the Zinn family, in memory of father and grandfather William S. Kollar, Uniontown; the O’Neill family, in memory of Joe Serpento, Denise Smiley and Margie Zack, Uniontown; anonymous, Uniontown; Linda and Rick Martin, in honor of all living and deceased members of the Martin, Martinchalk and Neighbors families, all their friends, troops and help for the needy, Connellsville; anonymous, Connellsville; Frank and Ann Horvath, Hopwood; Audrey Gallo, Crucible; Tom and Scarlet Baxter, in loving memory of their parents Mary Danton and Charles Baxter, Farmington.