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357 kids get toys through Canton holiday giving program

Posted 12/30/14

Letter to Editor: Residents of the Town of Canton and friends have once again contributed hugely to the Holiday Giving Tree Program. This gift collection is organized on behalf of local children …

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357 kids get toys through Canton holiday giving program

Posted

Letter to Editor:

Residents of the Town of Canton and friends have once again contributed hugely to the Holiday Giving Tree Program.

This gift collection is organized on behalf of local children whose parents are experiencing economic hardship. Gift bags were recently distributed to 142 participating families, including toys and clothes for 357 children.

Church and Community representatives and those who helped mount this project are overwhelmed by the generosity of so many individuals who “take a tag” and buy these gifts.

The two Canton colleges, six churches, and many banks and businesses make these tags available, and we appreciate their participation.

Guidance counselors at Canton Central gave advice and help to our effort; new this year was the option for a child to receive a hoodie with the Canton school logo, and we thank all those who contributed to the purchase of 145 sweatshirts and also Victory Promotions for their assistance in this initiative.

Significant grants from the Canton Kiwanis Club, Walmart, SeaComm, and the Potsdam Elks as well as generous donations from many individuals helped to make this a success.

The Ogdensburg-based “PJs4Xmas” collected 150 pairs of pajamas for us, and with our funds we were able to purchase pajamas or a warm fleece for every child.

Fran Van Horne contributed a box of hand-knitted hats, Commercial Press in Canton reproduced a charming Christmas story for our families, and Save-a-Lot contributed candy canes for each child. Phyllis and Ted Lawrence offered space at 30 Court Street for organizing and distributing the gifts.

Elves and angels, too many to enumerate here, offered time and talent through mid-December: you know who you are, and you are warmly thanked! However, one individual – or perhaps a group—made a very special contribution, and we don’t know who you are.

Someone dropped off over 50 embroidered baskets, stockings, and goodie bags, each filled with fun games, toiletries, candy and the like. Church and Community would love to know the identity of these benefactors who so enriched the gift bags of many families. Warm thanks to everyone!

Patricia Alden and JoAnn Pfeil

Canton