To the editor:
In this season of giving, I write to thank all of the supporters of the Christmas Tree Santas who assisted us in our Dec. 1 distribution of 225 free Christmas trees, with tree stands and ornaments, to needy families in Newburyport, Amesbury and beyond.
Our local recipients were referred by area social service agencies and nonprofits including Community Action, Inc., the Amesbury Holiday Program, Community Service of Newburyport, Amesbury Veterans Services, the Salvation Army, the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center and the Pettengill House. We’re indebted to the individuals who work and volunteer at these agencies. They give generously to our community year-round.
Area businesses provided vital financial support. Thanks to our sponsors at the Institution for Savings, Matter Communications, Silverlink Communications, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, The Provident Bank, Lively Kids, Stone Ridge Properties, State Street Mobil, Haskell Paving (NJ) and W3, llc (GA).
Others providing services or donations for our giveaway include the Cider Hill Farm, Eat Cake, Plum Island Coffee Roasters, the Flatbread Company, White Loft Studios, Riverfront Landscaping, Raka Creative (NH) and the Jack-Post Corporation (MI). Still countless other business owners gave individual donations or raffle items to support our fundraising. Thank you all.
Churches, foundations and community groups also joined our efforts. Thanks to the Newburyport Mothers Club, the First Religious Society, The Mary Alice Arakelian Foundation, St. Paul’s Church, the General Charitable Society, Community Service of Newburyport, and the Newburyport Girl Scouts.
The efforts of all of the above and so many others help brighten the holidays for hundreds of kids and families. What started as a simple idea of giving a Christmas tree to a neighbor in need has truly become an annual community gift of giving and for that I am truly grateful.
Alex Gramling
Founder, Christmas Tree Santas
Twiggy, the Water Skiing Squirrel
Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony
Official: ‘Amazing’ No One Was Killed In CT Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder
Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner
Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Beyonce Is Pregnant!
SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
Dad returns from Afghanistan, surprises family during Rays' first pitch
See Jennifer Lopez's New $10m Hamptons Mansion
Woman tricked into taking abortion pill
Emma Watson Goes Pantless
IRS scandal: Republicans seek to tie Obama to agency's woes
Play of the Day: Flipping to Safety
Pregnant Kim Kardashian Squeezes Her Swollen Feet Into Stilettos
Top Videos of the Week: Angry Taco Bell Guy, Glacier Moves on House, Dog Hates Baths
Cindy Crawford Stuns At Cannes
