Letter - Volunteers brave snow, cold

To the editor:

On behalf of the Jingle Bells Foundation and the Alexandria Jaycees, we want to thank everyone who helped make the 64th annual Jingle Bells Telethon such a huge success! A special thank you goes out to the dedicated staff at Selective TV and Gardonville Telephone Cooperative, Lake Geneva Christian Center for hosting the telethon and H. Boyd Nelson, Inc. for generously hosting the distribution of baskets.

More than $115,000 was raised this year. This money will be used to pay for more than 900 food and toy baskets that were delivered, the expenses associated with a live broadcast of this size and will also likely provide funds for families with various hardship cases that occur over the next year.

Weather was certainly a challenge telethon weekend. However, more than 30 acts participated in the show Saturday and on Sunday, many dedicated volunteers braved the blowing snow and falling temps as they helped package and deliver the food and toy baskets.

So many businesses, organizations, individuals and volunteers have made this possible and we are truly grateful to have those relationships. Hundreds of families helped out over the last few weeks and their efforts serve as a great community unifier. Volunteers, especially the kids, learn the value of giving to others and the spirit of volunteerism and community.

It cannot be said enough how humbled we are to be blessed by your generosity and caring. Together we can make a difference, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year!

Mike Schreiner, public relations

The Jingle Bells Foundation, Jaycees

Alexandria, MN

Tags: opinion, letters