By Ali Stevens
SUNBURY -- “Struggling” and “grateful” are two words that describe Anne-Marie Merrill this year.
Merrill said she is going through a particularly difficult time this holiday season, but still wants to provide a nice Christmas for her 15-year-old daughter, Chelsea. Merrill says her daughter understands there isn’t money for presents under the tree, but the mother still wants her daughter to have something.
Merrill, who receives Social Security, said her rent has increased, so she hasn’t been able to save money for Christmas. She says she was on welfare in the past, but is no longer and her situation will put a damper on the celebrating. “I really don’t have the money, so I don’t think we’ll have our regular stops,” she said.
She has turned to the Needy Family Fund for help. She says she is very grateful for the Needy Family Fund helping her daughter in previous years.
“Sometimes they are a lifesaver,” Merrill said. “They got her a winter coat when she needed it and she wore it.”
The Merrills don’t have plans this Christmas because Merrill doesn’t like to show up at relatives’ homes empty-handed, so she would like to have a Christmas dinner at home with her daughter.
She says the Salvation Army tries hard to help everyone else and she is thankful.
“I’m grateful for the effort they have put into it,” she said.
The Needy Family Fund, sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank, in cooperation with Salvation Army citadels in Sunbury and Milton, raises money to help the less fortunate in the Valley during the holidays.
Today’s balance stands at $9,598.03.
Recent donors are Catherine Blair, Lewisburg, $200; Ladies Auxiliary BPOE No. 267, Sunbury, $200; Raymond and Rachel Tomaszewski, Selinsgrove, $100; Robert and Donna Campbell, Sunbury, $100; Don and Brenda Adams, Lewisburg, $100; and Emogene Boyer, Mifflinburg, $100.
Also, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Shamokin Dam, $100; Ray and Betty Cook, Selinsgrove, $75; William and Marjory Shoemaker, Northumberland, $50; Janet and Franklin Satteson, Potts Grove, $50; Zion’s Church Women’s Guild, Kratzerville and Selinsgrove, $50; and Anita Molitoris, Shamokin Dam, $50.
Also, Gordon and Lois Lyons, Stroudsburg, $25; Ralph J. Owens, Turbotville, $50; Mildred J. Shadle, Selinsgrove, $40; Jack and Carol Dale Jr., Millmont, $30; Robert and Angeline Stackhouse, Lewisburg, $25; and anonymous donations totaling $175.
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Needy Family Fund
Donations go to buy food, clothing and gifts for the less fortunate in the Valley. Contributions are tax-deductible. The fund is sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank. Contributions may be taken to any Susquehanna Bank office or mailed to:
Needy Family Fund
Susquehanna Bank
400 Market St.
Sunbury, PA 17801
2009 goal: $75,000
