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Christmas charities finish with flourish
Originally published December 24, 2009 at 10:55 a.m., updated December 24, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
Thanks to the St. Joseph community, more than 800 families will have a Merry Christmas.
All 845 families were "adopted" by AFL-CIO Community Services. A total of 38 families were adopted on Christmas Eve for the agency's "Adopt-A-Family" program.
"We will get everyone taken care of," said Larry Huston, executive director of AFL-CIO. "We worked right up to the last minute."
At 845, the number of applicants was the highest in four or five years, but it wasn't an all-time record.
Although the Salvation Army kettle drive ends on Christmas Day, the Salvation Army collected more than $228,200 in donations as of Thursday. The goal for the combined donations between the kettle funds, mail- in donations and anonymous donations was set at $278,000.
"We are just thrilled to death we have come this far," said Dana Cook, captain at the Salvation Army. "We are so appreciative of how the community has come out and stepped up."
Missouri State Rep. Martin Rucker and his family were ringing the bells outside of Sam's Club between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday
Mr. Rucker's son, retired Carolina Panthers football player Mike Rucker, was signing autographs for those who donate.
Donations can still be mailed in to the Salvation Army at 602 Messanie St.
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WhatHappenToTheGoodOldDays says...
Well here we go again with politics and the media. Okay let's figure this. There is 845 families and still 36 more need help.. Okay, Now that is over $3.000 per family for all 845 families and they are still 36 more to go.. That's a pinocchio story.. Quit manipulating and taking advantaged of the people that can't do math..
December 24, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whoknows says...
I think you've misunderstood the article...the money collected goes to the SALVATION ARMY. The "adopted families" is run through the AFL-CIO. When a family is "adopted", either a company or family purchase items for each member of the family...money out of their OWN pocket. I'm proud to be apart of a community that cares about those who are less fortunate. I was part of adopting 2 families and when dropping off the presents saw what an impact the generosity of strangers make. In my opinion, no matter how big or small the gesture, it's the effort put forth that counts.
December 24, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jambreman says...
Can no one ever get on here and make a positive comment?? I am sure that the families that have been adopted are very grateful. Why the mean spirit? It's not about manipulation of the figures. Merry Christmas!!
December 24, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sense says...
Im happy goals are made and the community comes to help - however, I must agree, every time I hear how much either the United Way or Salavation Army, or Red Cross is way behind their goals, all of a sudden on the final day - presto - they did it!
Merry Christmas -
December 24, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rocketmom says...
Way to go, St. Joe!
December 24, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Clarence_Beeks says...
Way to go St. Joe and The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations!! Great job, many little children will have a much better Christmas now.
December 24, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )