Family, friends, and even total strangers decided to "Dig Deep for Digger" by attending the benefit spaghetti dinner that was held at the L.B. Morris Elementary School cafeteria in Jim Thorpe last Saturday night.

"Digger", in this case, is Richard "Digger" Bloom who was seriously injured in a swimming accident this past summer which has resulted in him being left a paraplegic.According to the organizers of the "Dig Deep Fund", he and his family have also been hit by astronomical medical bills which will only increase as he tries to continue with life and return home to his family.In addition to the spaghetti dinner, the event also consisted of a 50-50 raffle and a Chinese auction consisting of 100 baskets.Just a few of the many things that Digger will now need to live his life are a hospital bed, a custom-made wheelchair, a lift to go from the wheelchair to his bed, and eventually a specially equipped vehicle.His house will also need remodeling done to accommodate him, such as widening doorways and installing ramps.This community effort was made possible by the efforts of the L.B. Morris Elementary School staff, teacher's aides, family and friendsThe organizers recognized Christina's Pizza, for donating the rolls and a sheet cake; Milan Printing, for printing up the dinner tickets; and Burger King, for donating drinks and cups.They expressed their appreciation to the public for a phenomenal turnout and for their support for Digger and noted that there may be more fundraising events in the future.Among the organizers were Susan Barford, Rhonda Kolnik, Carolyn Casino, Debbie Reese, Thea Bierman, and Chris Kibler.Speaking on behalf of Digger and his wife Joyce, Susan Barford thanked everybody for all their hard work and effort; the School District and administration for allowing use of the facility, the cafeteria workers who volunteered their time, members of Jim Thorpe Boy Scout Troop 555, members of the National Honor Society, and other volunteers.Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by writing a check for the "Dig Deep Fund" and dropping it off at the L.B. Morris Elementary School or sending it to Jim Thorpe National Bank.