To the Editor:

The Neighborhood Outreach Program wishes to thank community members, organizations and individuals for their time, talents and support throughout the 2012 calendar year. It is with great pleasure that we report 444 individuals were helped through the Christmas give-away program.

Through your generosity, the program was able to supply 137 families and 185 children with food boxes that included turkeys and vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables. Hand made hats, mittens and afghans and new toys, which included a wrapped gift for each child, was also distributed. In addition, monetary donations were also used to purchase school supplies for N-NCS students; warm coats, boots, hats and mittens, as requested by the school nurse; and emergency assistance as needed.

Every year we ask for the support of local community members, like yourselves, and each year we are impressed and overjoyed with the response we receive. It is your kindness, generosity and continued hard work that enable us to reach out and help so many this time of year. Thank you again for supporting our important program and making the holiday season a special one for those less fortunate.

Patricia Martin, secretary