Dear Santa,
As you prepare for your travels do you ever wonder if you make a difference as you bring toys to children throughout the world?
At The Salvation Army it is our goal to make a difference.
Make a difference wherever and whenever needed.
Thanks to the many donations within our community; from children, teenagers, young couples, individuals, seniors, all putting pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar bills into our Christmas kettles help The Salvation Army make a difference.
By offering at-risk children a better life, by giving families an opportunity to take that next step in their journey out of poverty, by rebuilding homes and hopes when disaster strikes, by helping those in the grip of addiction reclaim control, by giving those in need of food a meal or two or three, by giving words of encouragement to those who need a special word that day and praying each and every day that our programs and services reach out and touch those in need.
I recently was standing at a Christmas kettle when one of our former program participants came up to me and gave me a hug and with a big smile on her face she said she was doing well.
She had a new job, a new apartment and the kids were doing well.
I remember a time when there were few smiles on her face.
She came to our program with many needs; homeless, needing help with her children and with financial needs.
It was good to see that our efforts helped.
It was not easy, but through our efforts and her efforts and the efforts of other community agencies she was able to take the next step.
Yes, The Salvation Army does make a difference.
Santa, I am sure you also do.
Safe travels,
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.
