Annual charity effort raises more than $35K
SEASIDE >> Thanks to the generosity of The Herald’s readers, Operation Christmas Cheer raised $35,835 this season.
The contributions go directly to the local chapter of The Salvation Army, which uses the funds to help clients during the holiday season. None of the money raised is used for administrative costs.
Families and individuals who shared their stories in The Herald were provided January rent checks that were paid directly to their landlords.
In a thank-you letter to the community, Capts. Steven and Patti Bradley of the Monterey Peninsula Corps of The Salvation Army said, “A big thank you to a generous and loving community, which helps us move ever forward in our mission.”
Among the things the Operation Christmas Cheer funds helped pay for were:
• 1,000 food boxes with turkeys and hams that were distributed at the Sabu Shake Sr. Good Samaritan Center in Sand City.
• A traditional Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings, for more than 100 homeless on Dec. 19.
• Setup of the children’s “Toy & Joy” distribution at the Monterey Fair and Event Center. Parents were able to pick up gifts for their children for Christmas at no charge.
Operation Christmas Cheer is an annual event sponsored by The Herald and 1st Capital Bank.
Since Operation Christmas Cheer began in 1985, it has raised more than $2 million, which has been distributed to needy Monterey County families and individuals over the holidays.
During the Christmas holiday season, The Herald profiled families and individuals receiving assistance from The Salvation Army. Contributors were able to use coupons printed in The Herald to have personalized messages published in the newspaper.
The campaign received a $15,000 matching grant from the Monterey Peninsula
Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
ATTRIBUTED GIFTS WITH MESSAGE
Kay Lubansky: In memory of my friend, Jan Anzini,$100
Kim Bui & Steven Silveria: Happy 85th birthday to Bui An Duong. Love from your family, $50
Nancy Harray: Hope for peace aplenty in 2020! $50
ATTRIBUTED GIFTS WITHOUT MESSAGE
Grange Women’s Association, $100
Ann Schrader, $50
Robert & Ruth Stephan, $50
Sue Ryan, $50
ANONYMOUS GIFTS WITH MESSAGE
Merry Christmas to all! $1,000
Merry Christmas from Tom & Pat, $500
Family first in 2020! $150 I miss you sweetheart, $100 Peace, love and best wishes for 2020, $100
One tiny drop added to an ocean of kindness, $50
May 2020 be filled with good health, happiness and peace for all, $25
TOTAL ANONYMOUS GIFTS WITHOUT MESSAGE
$715