To the Editor:

Thanks to the generosity of so many individuals, businesses, churches, groups and organizations, 260 families (987 individuals) enjoyed a Christmas they otherwise might not.

In a sentence, 586 children were adopted and provided new warm winter clothing and toys through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. One hundred-eighteen boxes of food were provided to families and senior citizens, 1,702 gifts were provided to shut-ins in eight nursing homes spread out over three counties.

We simply could not help others of this magnitude without the help of an army of people behind our Army.

Please allow us to say a special thank you to the Selma Fire Department, Selma Mall management, the store managers who allowed us to put a red kettle and bell-ringer in front of their stores, the many men and women who adopted an “angel” from the mall or corporate Angel Trees and the media for helping us to share the stories and the needs of those less fortunate.

We also want to say thank you to all those who couldn’t pass up our red kettles without putting in a little.

As we are apt to say, “the small change from a few amounted to big change in the lives of many.” Funds not used for Christmas expenses will be used to help others throughout the year.

Our wish is that the New Year will be filled with God’s choicest blessings.

Capt. Don New

Commanding officer/pastor