Dear Editor,

The Tamaqua Salvation Army would like to thank the people of Schuylkill and Carbon counties who graciously support The Army and all Corps across the country during this 2018 Christmas season.

There was an outpouring of assistance from area businesses, churches, fraternal organizations and individuals able to volunteer or donate during the season. If you were one of many who picked an angel off a Salvation Army Angel Tree or donated a purchased toy to one of the many Marines Toys for Tots bins, thank you! Because of you, over 300 children in the Tamaqua area received beautiful new Christmas gifts this year. For those of you who donated to the red kettle campaign, mail appeals, canned goods drive and school fundraisers, you have helped hundreds of families receive a Christmas food basket, or possibly even a victim of sudden crisis, thank you! And to all of the courageous red kettle bell ringers, who bear the unpredictable and sometimes frigid weather, thank you! In one day, your efforts were able to provide 10 families with a month’s worth of supplemental food.

Each year The Salvation Army faces new and difficult challenges to support those in need throughout the year. No campaign could succeed without compassionate contributors. It is accomplished through dedicated staff, board and corps members, amazing volunteers and generous donors like you. Thank you! Your time, talent and donations assist The Salvation Army in meeting the needs of so many in our community and go far beyond our doors, reaching so many lives.

Of all the things in which a community can take pride, the collective efforts of the Schuylkill and Carbon County residents on behalf of others remain the noblest and finest. Thank you for making our community a great place to work, live and share. You are a blessing to us and to those we serve. God bless you.

For more information about The Salvation Army of Tamaqua and its services, please contact Major Sharon Whispell at 570-668-0410.

Sharon Whispell

Tamaqua