Dear Santa,
So your big night is almost here! Do you feel ready? All the toys wrapped? The sleigh in working order? I bet you take a well-deserved break after you deliver all those presents.
At The Salvation Army, we have a big toy distribution for Christmas, too. All the "Toys for Tots" donations, "Angel Tree" tags, and Adopt-a-family toys are gathered together, sorted and organized to pass out to families in need.
In fact, many of the families also receive food and clothing. It's a major undertaking and we rely heavily on donors and volunteers to help us during this time.
But, when our big day is over, we don't take a break. Oh, we may take a day or two off. But, unfortunately, even after the magic of Christmas, we are reminded that poverty still exists.
Our food bank will still be open in 2013; classes will continue to be offered to help participants learn new ways to handle problems; and people will keep on coming through The Salvation Army doors asking for help - with rent, utilities, housing, etc.
Even though the problems still exist, Santa, you and I both know that hope in something beyond our circumstance can overcome even the darkest hour.
Thanks for all that you do.
Merry Christmas,
Amy
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.
