This morning, know that, because of you, 600 area residents were able to enjoy and experience Christmas a few weeks ago.

Thanks to your generosity, every time you passed a red kettle and shared some of your wealth, all 600 people who sought aid from the Salvation Army this year received help and assistance.

“We had overwhelming support from the community again this year,” said Salvation Army Capt. Amy Cedervall on Wednesday. “We were able to provide for each family that sought our help. This Christmas season has been such a blessing.”

We agree.

Thanks to you, and the love you demonstrated to others by your giving, families who otherwise would have had no Christmas were blessed.

From the pennies placed in the kettle by the elementary grade student to the $100 bills that showed up all around the town in red kettles one day, every donation mattered.

You made a difference. You exemplified the spirit of Christmas.

Thank you once again for making Northeast Michigan a caring community of neighbors helping neighbors.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)