For 22 years, Operation Santa Claus has been as much a part of the holiday season as candy canes and greeting cards.
The Tribune-Review's annual campaign relies on its generous readers to help bring holiday cheer to thousands of needy families throughout Western Pennsylvania.
With help from the Salvation Army and Shop 'n Save, Operation Santa Claus this year provided 8,475 families with the ingredients for a nutritious meal. Each grocery bag contained a gift certificate for a meat item of the family's choice, plus scalloped potatoes, stuffing, green beans, whole-kernel corn, fruit-flavored gelatin, fruit cocktail, applesauce, blueberry muffins, snack crackers, holiday cookies and hot cocoa.
In addition, 10,000 children ages 12 and younger received stockings stuffed with sweets and treats, as well as age-appropriate books.
From start to finish, all the work in the campaign is done by volunteers. Funding for the project comes from Tribune-Review readers, including corporate donors, families and individuals.
Donors may remain anonymous if they choose, but many have chosen to pen a brief message to accompany the mention of their gift.
Operation Santa Claus has set its 2005 fundraising goal at $155,000. Donation coupons will be published throughout the holiday season, but contributions are accepted throughout the year.
Every dollar given to Operation Santa Claus goes to help our neighbors in need.
Won't you lend a handâ¢
Balance Brought Forward: $127,258.90
Merry Christmas -- Chapman-Koury Real Estate Services: $450
Scott Mills: $300
A happy, healthy & holy holiday season from Dura-Meta Products: $250
Happy holidays from everyone at Connellsville Junior High West: $225
For our brothers & sisters -- Ella, Cole & Cal: $150
Have a blessed Christmas & a happy New Year -- Excela Health Westmoreland, Admission Department: $115
For the children -- Carol & Bill: $100
God bless our troops: $100
Merry Christmas & God bless our military -- Ladies Auxiliary, Hose Co. 8, Greensburg: $100
Merry Christmas. God bless our troops at home & overseas -- A. Roger & Theresa Wigle family: $100
In memory of M/M Dan Spallone and M/M Joseph Dominick and in honor of our grandchildren Jesse, Dan, Amber, Travis, Ali, Evan & Aaron: $100
Merry Christmas from Mr. Suttner's fourth-grade class & Fred: $86
Merry Christmas & happy 2006 from Ms. Frederickson's second grade, Hutchinson Elementary School: $70
In loving memory of Grandpa Bob Orwell -- Love, Jared & Kaitlyn Orwell: $51
In loving memory of Bob Erzen, a true believer -- Mike, Melissa, Jenn & Alexis: $50
May the spirit of Christmas reach all -- Dennis Donham: $50
In loving memory of Michael Rosky: $50
In memory of Mary Margaret Robinson Godfrey: $50
In loving memory of a very special neighbor and friend, JoAnne Frantz -- Bob & Ruth Gesalman & family: $50
For your very welcome help 8-14 after our auto accident, Al Ferraro, you have our heartfelt thanks -- Bob & Ruth Gesalman & family: $50
In loving memory of my aunts Rose Nagy and Cookie Sweeney -- Jamie Sweeney: $50
In memory of my husband, parents and other loved ones -- J.Z.: $50
In loving memory of Inger Holt Bauer, Dad, Mandy, Zach, Emma, Eli & grandparents -- Charles C. Holt: $50
Merry Christmas from Mrs. Hutchinson's kindergarten class at Stanwood Elementary: $40
Love & merry Christmas -- Mrs. Smith's fourth grade, Metzgar School: $35
In memory of our parents -- Hugh & Jennie Perotti: $30
Merry Christmas & God bless America: $30
Merry Christmas & may God bless you -- Westmoreland Manor Housekeeping Department: $30
Merry Christmas, Joseph & Daniel Napsha -- Love, Mom & Dad: $25
In memory of my cousin Jeff Jobe: $25
Thankful for our many blessings -- Marty, Margaret, Melanie & Adam Lock: $25
In memory of Cyrus M. & Helen D. Rohland -- Francis S. Rohland: $25
In loving memory of our parents, Stephen & Agnes Harvan and Lester & Laura Mae Kelly: $25
In memory of our deceased parents & stepmother -- Holly & Tom McLaughlin: $25
In loving memory of our daughter Diana Braddock. We miss you -- Judy & Carroll Six: $25
In memory of our families -- Bob & Jorene: $25
Peace! -- T. & C. Horning: $25
In memory of my mother, father, brother and wife Mary Lou -- Donald E. Noonan: $25
Merry Christmas from Zeus & Olive: $25
Always remember the least of us: $25
In loving memory of the Seymore & Kirsch families -- Marian & Bob Kirsch: $20
In memory of our parents: $20
In honor of our boss Peggy Tepper. Merry Christmas & happy New Year from Jen & John: $20
May His angels watch over you & protect you: $20
In loving memory of mom, dad, brother & sister -- Given by sister & daughter Carol Fannie: $20
In loving memory of Mom & Dad, Adele & William French, and brothers-in-law, fathers and husbands Joseph Boyle & Glenn Simpson -- From the French family: $15
In loving memory of Bernard Cain & Louise Santavy -- Rinier family: $10
God bless my family: $10
In memory of Daniel Panigall Jr., by family: $10
In loving memory of my dad, Bill (Bud) Vollmer: $10
22 Anonymous: $785
Total to Date: $131,310.90
Goal: $155,000
