Editor, OBSERVER:
Many thanks to the bell ringers and the community for making the 2011 Salvation Army's Red Kettle Drive a success. Despite a late start for this year's campaign, folks living in the Gowanda Service Unit's area were most generous and the drive netted over $1,550 in just two weeks. Money deposited in the local kettle is used for needs in the Gowanda service area, comprised of the towns of Collins, Persia, Perrysburg and the village of Gowanda.
Our thanks to all who donated so generously and to Jim Fort and family for once again allowing our bell ringers to be inside the Gowanda Jubilee rather than outside in the cold.
Special recognition and thanks to this year's bell ringers who stepped up and volunteered upon short notice: Dennis Paul and folks from J.N. Adam Day Hab, Gina Paul, Lynn Abbey, Annette Strohmeyer, Marilou Patterson, Sue Devlin, Maria Nemeth, Mary Cummings, Donna Powell, Sue Bastido, Donald Crandall, Nancy Greeley, Michelle Valone and daughter Abby, Carol Leonard, Steve Meyers, Hellen Barber, Lucille Minekime, and Roger and Laureen O'Day.
Some of the bell ringers worked more than one shift and on more than on day in order to be there right up to Christmas Eve as the loyal community provided financial support to make the local 2011 Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive a success.
We thank you all.
JOAN R. BYRNE,
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive,
Gowanda
