PAPERS, SALVATION ARMY COOPERATE
Angel Tree Helps
Record 26 Family
Major (ret.) Jim Smith and newspaper Office Manager Larissa Ryan cheer after packing the van with gifts for a record 26 families served this year by readers of The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. In a normal year, 12 families are served; but this year, the 12 were snapped up in just two days. Ryan, who organizes the drive for the newspapers, signed up for four more families, then another 10. Since one family had six children, and another five, a record number of children will find gifts under their Christmas Trees this year through the undertaking. The newspapers’ Christmas drive goes back to the 1921, when Freeman’s Journal Editor & Publisher Rowan B. Spraker Sr. sign us up. (Tara Barnwell/AllOTSEGO.com)
Nobody does Christmas like The Salvation Army! There’s not another organization that can hold a candle to this amazing ministry! Having served as Human Services Director for Salvation Army in Florida for almost ten years, I can honestly say they are the very best when it comes to helping people in need. So good to see retired Oneonta Corps’ Major Jim Smith! He personifies the mission and ministry of Salvation Army!