Christmas spirit

Dear editor:
The new year of 2004 is upon us and it is a time to reflect on 2003. Once again, our community has given freely to those most needy during the Christmas season.
Our fourth-annual “Mitts for Kids—Helping Hands” campaign was a good example of this. We were able to fulfill the needed amounts of mitts, plus extra articles, for the local Salvation Army and Couchiching First Nation Christmas hamper drives.
There are many reasons why the campaign was so successful. I would like to thank all our “Christmitts” Angels who so graciously gave of their time—and talent—to donate close to 200 pairs of knitted and sewn mitts, and many hats, scarves, socks, and neck warmers!
Another big thank you goes out to the many businesses and organizations of Rainy River District for their collections of money. This year’s biggest money collector of the campaign boxes was Pizza Hut with over $60 collected. Way to go, guys!
Once again, Dan Talocka, merchandise manager of Zellers in Kenora, deserves recognition for his continued contribution of discounted ski mitts to help fill the quantity of mitts needed for the older children. Another great job, Dan!
And also deservedly so, a big thank you goes to Ted at A Buck or Two for his very kind donation of 50 pairs of gloves! Your donation was greatly appreciated, Ted.
Another “newcomer” group to our campaign this past year was the wonderful people of Knox United Church, who donated more than 20 pairs of mitts and many hats. A heartfelt thank-you goes to all the people who donated and to Joanne Gustafson who orchestrated the campaign at the church.
I would like to recognize Duane Hicks from the Fort Frances Times and Norma Pattison (also one of our special “Christmitts” Angels) of the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal for their coverage of our campaign. You both make a big difference.
I send out a big “thanks” to my staff here at In Focus, Kristen and Melissa, for their continued hard work and dedication to “Mitts for Kids.” I couldn’t do it without you.
We have an abundance of mitts left over from 2003 and also, the staff of the Rainy River Future Development Corp. donated their “Dress Down Friday” fund to our 2004 campaign. Thank you so much for your support.
With a great start like this for 2004, we are hoping to extend our mitt-giving to other areas. Within the next little while, we are hoping to start a pilot project with one of the elementary schools in Fort Frances.
A “mitt kit” would be donated to the school, which would include a supply of extra mitts that would be given out to children at school to replace their wet or lost ones. I am hoping this project will be a start to something great and that we will be able to offer the “kits” to many others schools.
We also are hoping to increase the number of mitts donated to the Christmas hampers next year in order to supply mitts and glove for the adults also in need. How exciting!
Because our goal for 2004 is much greater, we are hoping the number of donations also will increase. If any individual, business, or organization is interested in being a part of our campaign drive and wish to donate, or would like to promote “Mitts for Kids,” please call me or Kristen at 274-0206.
In closing, I would like to send out my sincere appreciation to you, the people of Rainy River District, who with open hearts gave again so generously to “Mitts for Kids.” Once again, the spirit of Christmas shines brightly in our wonderful community.
God bless you all and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Jan Hall-Bosma
In Focus