- Times Leader

First Posted:

Generous givers help spread cheer

We appreciate the community’s response to the needs of others during the holiday season. Even in the midst of an economic downturn and ongoing recovery from a recent flood, the Wyoming Valley was again very generous.

Without the help of donors and volunteers, we couldn’t have spread so much holiday cheer.

Volunteers gave more than 7,000 hours to The Salvation Army. They took applications for toys and food in October. They collected and packed “Angel Tree” and Marine Corps Toys for Tots gifts for children. Businesses and organizations adopted families and purchased gifts and food.

Residents of the Kirby Family House for homeless families enjoyed gifts and parties sponsored by the Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis Club, Wilkes University’s Zebra Communications club as well as other groups. Volunteers visited 2,500 people in local care facilities, offering cheer and companionship.

Volunteers also rang bells at the kettles helping us reach our Red Kettle Campaign goal! Because of so many donors and volunteers, 1,043 families received food vouchers (up from 978 in 2010, 865 in 2009, 750 in 2008 and 650 in 2007) for their Christmas dinners; 1,836 children received Christmas gifts; and a total of 3,793 people were served.

This community’s residents should be commended for their desire to help make the holiday season a wonderful time for someone in need, even while they, too, might be struggling.

Together, we have made a difference. May God bless you for caring about others!

Capt. Doug Richwine

Capt. Patty Richwine

Corps commanding officers

The Salvation Army

Wilkes-Barre

A kind deed helps restore his spirits

This story involves an unbelievable act of kindness.

I was at church and a woman with whom I am acquainted because I’m familiar with her children slid into the seat next to me. She handed me an envelope. She said someone wanted me to have it, then she left.

After the service, I read the handwritten letter.

It said: Dear Dan, I lost my son in 1976. I still feel the pain. With God’s help you will move on, in time. Please take this small token and take your wife out to dinner; you could both use a NIGHT OUT.

There were two $50 bills in the envelope. The letter was not signed.

Although a trespassing summons recently filed against me was, in my opinion, the worst of humanity, this lifted my spirits about people and how kind they can be.

Dan Madry

Wright Township

Sorvinos grateful for film’s support

With the first screening of our film, “The Trouble with Cali,” at the Sedona International Film Festival in Arizona last week, we wanted to extend our sincere thanks to our friends in Scranton and all of Lackawanna County for your support and patience.

While it took longer than we had hoped to finish “Cali,” we are pleased with the way it turned out and look forward to audience response.

We are planning to screen the film in Scranton in the near future. Meanwhile, we will continue to vigorously market “The Trouble with Cali.”

Amanda, Michael, Mira

Paul Sorvino

Response to fire prompt in Laflin

We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the three branches of the Laflin emergency services operation.

We recently had a fire at our residence; fortunately it turned out to be only minor.

The quick response of emergency organizations was a blessing. Their professionalism was superb. After they said things were under control and out, they stayed awhile and continued to make sure that we were all right and not in need of further assistance.

To those people in the borough beefing about the alleged proposed tax increase to fund the full-time police force, wake up and see the value in it.

Again, thank you to all who came to our aid.

Molly Middleton

Reader praises Paterno column

If an award exists for a newspaper staff member who composes a masterpiece of truth, compassion and grace with integrity, Bill O’Boyle’s column (“Paterno: Penn State to the end”) deserves it!

Writing such as this not only should make the board of trustees’ heads hang in shame, but also should be placed in the archives of humanity.

Bill, I wish I could shake your hand.

Dr. A.P. Sindoni

Mountain Laurels

Mountain Laurels is a regular series of letters from readers

conveying thanks to individuals or groups for their support, help

or kindness.