To the Editor:

I encourage readers to contribute to Stewart’s “Holiday Match Campaign” by dropping change or more into specially-marked jars located in every Stewart’s store.

Your donation will be doubled by Stewart’s and it will benefit children in the North Country. Stewart’s distributes all monies to local organizations with programs that benefit children under 18 years old. 100 percent of the funds collected are distributed, as Stewart’s does not keep any as compensation for itself.

NAMI-St. Lawrence Valley has used Stewart’s funding for the past three years to purchase personal hygiene items, toys, and books for children hospitalized at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Children’s Unit in Ogdensburg.

We do this at both Christmas and Easter for the 28 children (20 teens & 8 younger) who are so ill that they must be hospitalized. We want these children and their families to know that they are not forgotten in their struggle with mental illness.

Thanks to the community for giving and thanks to Stewart’s for collecting!

Lynne Matott, president

National Alliance on Mental Illness, St. Lawrence Valley

Gouverneur