Holiday fund closes in on $21k mark
Herald-Standard readers continue to show their generosity during the Christmas season by contributing another $2,354 to the Give-A-Christmas fund.
As of today, the total is $20,924.
Sparkle, the Christmas star and mascot for the program, can barely contain her excitement anymore when she sees the daily total. After checking her mailbox, she was seen doing several cartwheels and flips.
“I can’t even begin to explain how wonderful this is to see how the community is coming together to support a good cause,” said Sparkle, who was out of breath. “All of you are really showing how it is better to give than to receive. Please remember that, as we quickly approach the deadline of noon Dec. 23.”
Donations came from Uniontown, Smithfield, McClellandtown, Farmington, Masontown, and Fayette County.
Several cards and letters accompanied the donations:
“Thanks for everything you do,” wrote the Kustron family of McClellandtown. “God bless everyone.”
“May God bless you all, and have a happy and healthy Christmas,” wrote Stephen Petruska on behalf of members of the St. Michael GCU Lodge 81 of Uniontown.
“We want to give God all the honor, glory and praise that He deserves for all of the wonderful blessings that He gives to each of us,” wrote Bob and Patricia Payne of Masontown, who gave in memory of their parents, brother, and brother-in-law Kenny, Mollie, and Gene Payne, Don and Eleanor Landman, and Lloyd A. Maust Jr.
Other letters carried a somber tone, as readers remembered loved ones who passed away.
“Our wish is for peace for all who may be suffering or mourning at this time,” wrote Carl and Shelley Williams of Uniontown, who donated in memory of Bill Menni, who died tragically this year and left behind his wife Jody and sons Jordan and Jason. “May God grant them comfort.”
Sparkle loved the letters she received.
“Don’t forget that your donations will benefit the Salvation Army to help the people in your area,” said Sparkle. “We really need to finish strong.”
Today’s other donors include Berwyn and Lois Detweiler, in honor of their children and grandchildren, Uniontown; Haydentown Christian Church, Smithfield; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Yarris, in memory of their beloved son Vincent Yarris, Uniontown; Michael Wesolowsky, in loving memory of his parents Frank and Helen Wesolowsky of Masontown, Uniontown; Joe Juriga, in memory of wife Marlene, Uniontown; Scarlet and Thomas Baxter, in memory of Charles Baxter and Mary Danton, Farmington; James and JoAnn Edwards, Uniontown; Laurel Highlands Senior and Junior Powderpuff players, their coaches, high school cheerleaders, and football players, Uniontown; the Fayette Board of Realtors, Fayette County; and others who requested anonymity.
Contributions will be accepted until noon Dec. 23. The total amount will be reported in the Christmas Eve edition of the Herald-Standard.
Donations can be mailed to Give-A-Christmas, P.O. Box 1147, Uniontown, PA 15401 or brought to the Herald-Standard office in Uniontown from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Sparkle cans also have been placed in numerous store locations in the Herald-Standard distribution area.