Dear Santa:
I have really wanted to tell you about a beautiful group of people at The Salvation Army.
They are the ladies of The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary.
The auxiliary is a group of concerned and dedicated women who love the mission of The Salvation Army and want to do whatever they can to help the organization succeed in helping the folks in our communities.
This particular Women's Auxiliary in Williamsport has about 23 members, 18 of which are active.
They have a slate of officers and meet once a month to discuss their business and carry forth a plan of action.
The biggest project for them in this city is that they take care of our Thrift Store on Fourth Street called "Sallie Ann's New to You."
It is run totally by these volunteers of the auxiliary six days a week - Monday through Saturday.
They sort and tag clothes and run the cash register.
This is such a valuable project for our community as they help folks buy clothing that they need at affordable prices.
The ladies have other projects during the year as well. Every spring they host an annual salad luncheon and bazaar at The Salvation Army to raise more funds to help support Salvation Army programs.
Most recently they had a very successful cookie dough fundraiser.
Proceeds from the Thrift Store help to support the operating budget of The Salvation Army.
The proceeds of some of their other projects help to support sending kids to summer camp and to buy arts and crafts for Vacation Bible School.
Some of the ladies recently began crocheting and knitting blankets for us to distribute at nursing homes.
The ladies also ring the bell at the kettles, help with Christmas assistance sign-ups as well as help with toy and food packing.
They are fabulous! I don't know what we would do, Santa, without their valuable help. I would love to see some more ladies join in the New Year!
Talk to you again soon.
Your friend,
Captain Debbie
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.
