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Salvation Army thanks supporters

We appreciate the community’s response to the needs of others during the holiday season.

Even in the midst of an economic downturn, the Wyoming Valley was again very generous.

Without the help of donors and volunteers, we couldn’t have spread so much holiday cheer. In October volunteers took 978 family applications for toys and food. In December they collected and packed Angel Tree and Marine Corps Toys for Tots gifts for 1,758 children and distributed food vouchers for 3,510 people.

Businesses and organizations adopted families and purchased gifts and food. Residents of the Kirby Family House for homeless families enjoyed gifts and parties sponsored by the Penguins and Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis Club as well as other groups.

Volunteers visited nearly 2,500 people in 28 area nursing homes, offering cheer and companionship. Volunteers gave a tremendous 6,966 hours of their time; 4,332 of those hours on the kettles! We are so grateful for the stores that allowed us to place kettle stands at their locations.

At noon on Feb. 23 all those people who helped with the Christmas effort are invited to attend an appreciation luncheon, during which we will announce the group that collected the most money at the kettles and the kettle total. Reservations must be made by calling 824-8741.

We serve a large area, from Nanticoke to Plains Township, Dallas to Mountain Top – 28 ZIP codes in all. The needs are great and they continue all year.

The community’s residents should be commended for their desire to help make the holiday season a wonderful time for someone in need, even while they themselves might be struggling. Together we have made a difference.

May God bless you for caring about others!

Family member saw great care

My family and I extend many thanks to Dr. Saidman, Dr. Burns, Dr. Bernardi and especially our family doctor of 32 years, Dr. William Boyle, as well as the nurses and nurses aides at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and at John Heinz rehabilitation center for the kind and gentle care given to my husband, Walter Pitcavage.

I also send a special thanks to the administration and nursing staff at Highland Manor, not only for the wonderful care they had given to Walter, but for the special care that they gave to me and my family in our time of need. You will never know how much we needed and appreciated everything you have done for us. Thank you.

Ed-Lark grateful for assistance

I am writing to acknowledge the companies that helped us put together an end-of-year banquet for the Ed-Lark Hurricanes.

We had encountered a theft, which put us in a financial situation. We nearly weren’t able to have a banquet for these kids who worked very hard all season. So the Ed- Lark Hurricane board got a game plan: We asked for donations and were very impressed with the outcome.

Many pizza companies and businesses helped. We thank the following companies: Main Beverage, Middleswarth Chips, Jack Williams Tire and Auto, Outback Steakhouse, Thomas’ Family Market in Kingston, Redner’s, Price Chopper, Quality Electric, Knights of Columbus, FNCB Bank, Pizza Bella, Reeses Classic Pizza, Tommy’s Pizza, Little Caesar’s, Pizza Mill, Leonardo’s Pizza, Barnardo’s Pizza, Lino’s Pizza and AAA djz.

A special thank-you to West Side Career and Technology Center for donating its facilities for the banquet.

We cannot thank these local businesses enough. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and dedication, the children had a great time.

Compassion eased families’ grief

We thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and well-wishes during the recent passing of our father, Wayne Elston.

The outpouring of friendship, through attendance at his memorial, sympathy cards, flowers, contributions and meals, was helpful and much appreciated.

A special thank-you to Dr. and Mrs. Edward Carey and staff for the excellent care that “Pop” received for many years.

Lastly, we thank the staff members at the Village of Greenbriar, Dallas, for their compassion and care throughout this difficult time.

‘Semper Fi’ lifts Marine’s success

The family of Pfc. Nigel W. Turan, who has successfully completed his Marine Corps training, extends its thanks for the aid and support of William Haas of Bear Creek, Sgt. Reeves and staff of the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Center, Wilkes-Barre, as well as Sgt. Ramirez and staff of the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Center, Phoenix, Ariz.

Also, a special thanks goes to Nigel’s friends who faithfully kept in contact and encouraged him throughout his time of military training.

Mountain Laurels

Mountain Laurels is a regular series of letters from readers conveying thanks to individuals or groups for their support, help or kindness.