Published: November 26, 2008 11:52 am            

Thanks to all who give so much

We are blessed this Thanksgiving to live in a region with many compassionate people who themselves give so much to the community.

You’ve seen numerous stories in recent weeks on the pages of this newspaper about individuals and groups that are raising money, gathering items and making a difference in the lives of people around them.

Numerous free Thanksgiving dinners are being served across the region. The Salvation Army in Johnstown served up its dinner on Tuesday, while the Salvation Army in Somerset will do the same today.

New Day Inc. planned five servings across the area on Wednesday, and Nunzio’s Pizzeria in Richland Township will host a community dinner from noon to 4 p.m. today.

St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Family Kitchen in downtown Johnstown will serve a turkey dinner open to all from noon to 1 p.m. today, with local volunteers preparing and serving turkeys donated by Honeysuckle White and Giant Eagle. Likewise, in Carrolltown, the St. Vincent de Paul Society will serve a meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at St. Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church.

But that’s just the start of the generosity. There are a lot of people in this region who are doing great work.

Here is partial list of projects and efforts for which we are thankful this day:

* The Penn’s Woods Council of the Boy Scouts is collecting food items as part of a national effort known as the Good Turn Food Drive Collection. In Richland Township, Boy Scout Troop 100 – assisted by Cub Pack 100 – collected 4,632 food items which were delivered to the Grove Avenue United Methodist Church food pantry in Moxham. “I think everybody is looking out for everybody else and themselves at the same time,” said troop member Josh Chilcote.

*The Defining Hour, a heavy-metal band from Windber, played a show at The Alley Sports Bar in Central City to support Toys for Tots. The event raised almost $1,000 and took in about 100 toys for the annual seasonal effort spearheaded by the Marine Corps. “People often get the wrong idea of the types of people who play in these bands,” said band member Mike Fahy of Central City. “These musicians are kind, caring and willing to help and we often get a bad rap based on the music or appearance.”

* Northern Cambria Area Business Alliance raised $12,500, which was donated to Miners Medical Center to help offset the purchase of new heart monitoring equipment. The $200,00 project will put monitors in surgical and intensive-care beds and in the emergency room.

* The Young Professionals of the Alleghenies organization is collecting food for area food banks through Dec. 19. Area food banks have reported shortages and donations to this effort will make a big difference. Businesses interested in accepting food donations can call 254-2238.

* The United Way of the Laurel Highlands had reached 92 percent of its 2008 fundraising goal as of Nov. 20. Fund drive leaders still hope to hit the goal of $1.1 million. The money donated to the United Way supports 25 local agencies.

* The Windber Police Department’s annual “Christmas For Kids” toy drive will mean gifts for as many as 200 children and families. This effort is in its ninth year. The police also will host a Christmas party on Dec. 18 at the Windber Community Building.

For these and so many other projects not listed here, we say, simply: Thanks.

        

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