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 hand• Balance Brought Forward $133,088.90 Merry Christmas & happy New Year! — Laurel Valley Middle/High School Student Council:$500 Have a happy & healthy New Year!:$300 In memory of my dad, Joe:$250 Happy New Year — Jen, Erica & Rachel:$100 For our Lissy, who brings joy to our lives — Dave & Suzy Kepple:$100 In loving memory of Mom, Laura Bush & Dad, Mike Blasko. Merry Christmas:$100 In memory of deceased family members:$75 In memory of Marion Palmer, Bud Palmer & Nathan Palmer. We miss you:$50 In loving memory of our son “Tiger” Keith — Mom & Dad G.:$25 We love & miss you, Blase:$25 In loving memory of sister Rita, grandson Noah, sister-in-law Donna — Jo & Don Miller:$25 To my love dog Jules, July 4, 2000. We miss you — Love, L, P & Mitty (John):$25 In loving memory of James & Karen Creese. Sadly missed — Mom:$20 In loving memory of Bob Veitch. You will never be forgotten, my friend:$20 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Nescots:$10 10 Anonymous:$295 Total to Date: $135,008.90 Goal: $155,000

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