Thanks for bringing Santa to town

Thanks for bringing Santa to town

I went into Crouse True Value Hardware in North Lima recently to see when Santa would be arriving this year. The day after Thanksgiving (at 11 a.m.) was their answer. I wanted to know how long Santa has been arriving by train here. They told me probably about six years. I was surprised and amused that such kind-hearted people did not even realize how long they have been entertaining the community. They were surprised when I told them I had brought my grandchildren in for years.

I love to see the excitement on the children’s faces when Santa arrives by train. Next the children are brought into the store where they line up to visit him. He always wears a large wooden cross to remind the children the reason we celebrate. He gives each child a treat. Sometimes you will hear a harmonica playing while in line. Outside each year you never know what you’ll find. There has been a reindeer to pet, skunks in an array of colors (de-scented of course). Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Pluto came last year. Another year there was an artist drawing characters of the children. My 11-year-old grandsons still have theirs. Sarah, an Amish woman, and her daughter come each year and sell homemade donuts. Different venders have come over the years with anything from homemade ice cream to jewelry. The “Music Man”, (that’s what I call him) is there too. People have complained they can’t get into the store to buy anything that day. The store owners and employees feel the day is for the children.

I’m not related to or even know anyone personally from this store. I only know them by their kindness and their friendly smiles as I have come into the store over the past 32 years. They truly seem to have the spirit of Christmas in their hearts.

Theresa A. Garchar, New Springfield

Thanks for helping out

I want to express thanks for giving to our community.

Goodwill Industries is fortunate to operate in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties in Ohio and Mercer and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania. We are fortunate that even during this difficult economic time, our community has been very generous in helping Goodwill.

The donations of clothing, household items, and cash have enabled us to provide vocational services, Radio Reading and other social services to over 5,000 people this year.

Shopping in our retail stores helps us to pay over 260 employees. Over 75 percent of our employees are people with disabilities or other barriers to employment.

Your donations and support help us to meet our mission. I encourage you to continue donating to local non-profit organizations like Goodwill that use your contributions in our community. As a reminder, we collect only at attended Goodwill Donation Centers and no longer use unattended collection boxes.

We appreciate your support and will continue to provide our services.

Thanks for giving.

Michael W. McBride, Youngstown

The writer is executive director of Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc.

Success doesn’t come easily

There is only one reason that the St. Nicholas Church Turkey Raffle was such a success and that is people working together for a common cause.

We could not begin to thank individually all the wonderful people who helped so much, but there are a few who must be recognized. First of all, our beloved pastor Fr. Bob Bonnot who worked so hard for us and with us and did a great job directing the entire evening so well. We must thank Fr. Tobin who first introduced us to this project and loaned us all of his equipment. A special thank you to Priscilla Carlucci, who headed the committee; Marilyn Joseph and her wonderful women from the Altar & Rosary Society, who prepared and served the wonderful food and drinks; Lucille Pastirak who kept all the money straight, the helpers from Moms & Dads Club, Holy Name Society, The Youth Group, St. Vincent dePaul, Lisa Hill and her daughter for organizing a fun night for the children, and we cannot forget the kids who came and helped. There were Runners who ran their hearts out and feet off, the Turkey Handlers, the Ticket Handlers and the wonderful people who made popcorn and did all the cleanup work.

Tammy Creighton made and designed the pre-sale tickets, and the school children and their teachers made the wonderful colorful posters that we all enjoyed throughout the church and hall. Thanks to all the church office staff and special thanks to the businesses who made financial contributions.

And a great big thank you to all of the wonderful people who bought tickets and came to show their support of our church. No matter how big or small your contribution, it was appreciated.

Beverly A. Pack, Poland

Thanks for Holiday Cheer

We are writing this let- ter to thank all the wonderful people who participated last year in The Vindicator’s Operation Holiday Cheer.

During last year’s holidays our Army SSGT son was stationed in Afghanistan on his third year-long combat tour. In a phone call after Christmas, he told us how many folks sent letters and packages to him as a result of the Vindy project.

The boxes were, of course, shared with his fellow soldiers and they all appreciated the thought and effort everyone put into sending them an extra holiday cheer. He said well over 150 local folks sent him letters and boxes of goodies. He wasn’t sure how he would thank everyone who sent something to him since time and resources were limited.

During that call we told him we would help out by sending a thank you note to The Vindicator for him. We are late in sending this letter, but want everyone to know that their efforts were appreciated.

Bob and Joyce Kirkpatrick, Girard

Another jewel in the crown

Recently, my wife, JoAnn, was scheduled for a fiberoptic bronchoscopy at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Boardman Campus. We hadn’t been there before for any major medical procedures and were quite apprehensive.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by two gracious ladies at the registration desk who made us feel so welcome and comfortable that our trepidations simply evaporated. Shortly thereafter, we were escorted to a prep room where a team of nurses began preparing JoAnn for the procedure. They were very professional, friendly, compassionate, and as accommodating as possible under the circumstances. Angie, Roberta, Carolyn, and the two Kathys turned a stressful situation into a very pleasant experience. They were absolutely great.

The outstanding personnel, the cleanliness and the orderliness of the facility was impressive. This is another jewel in Mahoning Valley’s crown.

Sam Traficant, North Lima