Dear Santa:
My best friend Amy was the daughter of the local Salvation Army officer in our town.
Over the years we remained close friends. Because of being in her home often I was able to see first hand what The Salvation Army is to many people. I often volunteered to help The Salvation Army throughout the year in their various programs. I enjoyed the Christmas season, playing my cornet and ringing the Christmas kettle bell.
One day a young man, who had just given a donation, said that he was thankful for The Salvation Army. He went on to tell of a time when he was a child, his parents told him that they probably would not have a Christmas. His father hadn't been working for some time.
He woke up on Christmas morning and found gifts under the tree. He remembered that years later his parents told him that if it wasn't for The Salvation Army there would not have been anything under the tree.
Time has passed since my first meeting with Amy and becoming aware of The Salvation Army. Amy is now a Salvation Army officer with her husband many miles away.
We try to keep in touch but it gets harder to keep in contact. This one thing I am sure; The Salvation Army still is doing much good within many communities.
I know in our community The Salvation Army has a food pantry serving our community throughout the year.
I know The Salvation Army helps families and children and senior citizens during the Christmas season. I know The Salvation Army helps with utilities, transportation needs and has programs for children and families. The Salvation Army truly is making a difference.
During this time of year, when I see The Salvation Army Christmas kettle, I think of Amy and my time volunteering to help ring the Christmas bell and I drop some dollars into the kettle.
I think it is time for me to call The Salvation Army and ask if I can volunteer and help ring the bell at the Christmas kettle again. Amy would be happy that I am going to make that call.
Sincerely, your friend,
Tony
Please help by giving generously to the Sun-Gazette and the Salvation Army Santa Fund.
You can help make this a brighter holiday season for local families by making a contribution in person to any branch of M&T Bank or by mail to M&T Bank at 405 River Ave.; at the Salvation Army, 457 Market St.; or the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
The Santa Fund is a fundraiser organized by the Sun-Gazette and the Salvation Army to help local families in need.
