Published: December 15, 2006 10:45 pm            

SOUP KITCHEN: Weather impacts donations

As it is every year, Lockport residents have generously donated their time to the Red Kettle Campaign and their money to the Salvation Army.

Still, donation totals are a little behind this year, said Major John Wheeler.

“We were nicely ahead of last year until last weekend when it was cold and windy and rainy,” Wheeler said. “Snow seems to bring out a Christmas spirit. When it’s snowy, people give. When it’s windy, they just want to get to their car.”

As of Friday morning, the Salvation Army has eight more days to raise the other half of their goal. Wheeler said he believes the competition between the service clubs at the red kettles should help.

All of the money the Salvation Army raises benefits local residents in need. Wheeler said that money helps fund programs to help people pay their rent, assist them with food and even pay for prescriptions for life-threatening conditions.

“We reach the people it doesn’t seem anyone else does,” Wheeler said.

Sometimes the Salvation Army will even help pay for a person’s car registration so they don’t lose their job. Wheeler said the group has helped people in need in some interesting situations.

“One woman’s truck broke down in the area and she didn’t have any money to get home to Long Island,” Wheeler said. “We put her on a bus home. Nobody else is going to put someone on a bus to get home.”

As of Friday, the Salvation Army had raised $16,162 during the campaign. Here are the latest donations:

$130 donation

Anonymous, in memory of deceased loved ones

$100 donation

Kenneth A. Weatherly, City of Lockport, in memory of Lee Balcerzak.

The Dobbins Family, in memory of Bill and Lou.

Mike, Sharon, Jen and Mark D’Auria, City of Lockport, in memory of Tom and Phyllis Barrancotta and Sam and Pat D’Auria.

Terry and Donna Nieman, Gasport, in honor of parents Bill and Ruth Nieman and Mickey and Wanda Ficarra.

Joyce Ladd, Town of Lockport, in memory of Jack and our parents.

$50 donation

Noreen Weatherall, in memory of Raymond Weatherall.

Rita McGinnis, Town of Lockport, in memory of husband Pat and deceased members of the Clark and McGinnis families.

Keith Meyers, in memory of family and friends.

Donald and Joanne Pierce, City of Lockport, in memory of deceased parents.

$42 donation

Murphy Insurance Ladies Bowling League, in memory of deceased members of our league.

$25 donation

Don and Mary Ann Cutter, Town of Lockport, in memory of parents Ann and Leonard Daunce.

Anonymous, in memory of deceased family members.

Nancy Plache, Newfane, in memory of deceased family members.

Jack Walsh, Town of Lockport, in memory of Sandra E. Walsh.

$10 donation

Beth and John Salmeri, Gasport, in memory of Lynn Freatman.

Linda R. Hornowist, City of Lockport, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Erion Reinholtz.

Contact Tasha Kates at 439-9222, Ext. 6241.

        

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