Helping us help others

To the editor:

Once again, the officers and members of Catholic Daughters Court Catherine Esther #1264 would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to those who contributed items and money to the Christmas Collection for our Servicemen and women in Afghanistan.

We’d also like to thank the Fort Plain, Canajoharie and St. Johnsville branches of the NBT Bank, Our Lady of Hope Church in Fort Plain and the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Canajoharie for their cooperation in letting us place the collection boxes in their lobbies and vestibules.  

We are extremely grateful for the publicity afforded us by the Pennysaver, the Courier-Standard-Enterprise, the Recorder and other area newspapers. Our thanks especially goes to Lt. Col. Lisa Bowman for providing us with the names and addresses of several servicemen and women from the Albany/ Schenectady area to send the collection to.

The response from the community was overwhelming, with donations also coming from the Canajoharie Middle school Junior National Honor Society, the ARC homes on Carlisle Road, Ridge Road and Burch Street in Canajoharie, on Karol Ann Place and Gilbert Avenue in Fort Plain and on Grand Street in Palatine Bridge.

We packed and sent 41 boxes of items from the recommended list on November 30th, and we received enough money in donations to pay the shipping costs. Again, we thank you all for joining us in supporting our troops during the Christmas season.

May God bless you for your generosity.  

Marlene Nalli,

Collection Coordinator

Ring the bell for the red kettle

To the editor:

To fulfill our goal of “Doing The Most Good” and to share the joys of caring and sharing, the Salvation Army’s traditional Red Kettle drive has been an integral part of the Christmas scene since 1891. Donations made to the Red Kettle aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless by providing Christmas dinners, winter clothing, and toys as well as continuing year round with the basic necessities of food, clothing and medications.

90 percent of funds gathered will be used to provide emergency assistance to residents right in our area. The Upper Montgomery County Salvation Army Service Units of Canajoharie, Fort Plain and St. Johnsville have a long history of successful Red Kettle Campaigns.

The Red Kettle tradition will continue with the support of several new local businesses who are generously hosting a Red Kettle. Please help your favorite merchant raise the most to support the Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. The merchant’s Red Kettle who raises the most will receive a plaque and special recognition. And, you’ll be doing the most good.

Perhaps you have always been one who found it in your heart to donate to the Red Kettle, and are willing and able to take your generosity one step further by giving two hours of your time to ring the bell and help us gather much needed donations. If you can join in the treasured tradition or wish to make a financial donation, please call one of us.

We hope when you see the Red Kettle, you will be able to help fill the kettles and feel the joy of caring and sharing.

Thank-you and May God Bless you,

Jackie and Jessica Lape, Holly Craver,

Tom and Lori Hajczewski,

Pastor Dave Prahst, Lori Fredricks