Manassas Journal Messenger | Christmas Basket drive continues

Area residents, groups and businesses gave a big boost today to the Potomac News/Manassas Journal Messenger and Prince William Salvation Army Christmas Basket drive.

Gregory P. and Jeanette J. Smith of Gainesville donated $75, “in the spirit of the season.”

Three anonymous residents gave $25 each, and Samuel A. and Sandra K. Mills of Gainesville

donated $100.

Edward H. III and Susan L. Bonekemper of Fairfax Station gave $100 and a message.

“Keep up the great work to bring Christmas joy to those less fortunate than most,” they wrote.

David F. and Linda L. Kent of Bristow contributed $100 with a message.

“In loving memory of our parents — Robert and Dorothy Kent and Walter Sprenkle.”

The Montclair Ladies Golf Association donated $50, and C.L. and S.M. Myers of Woodbridge also gave $50.

GEICO/Stinson Insurance of Dumfries gave $100 “on behalf of our wonderful community, which has been so supportive of our local GEICO office. David and Lori Stinson”

Woodbridge residents Andrew A. and Evenlyn W. Thompson donated $100 “in memory of our mothers.”

Norman C. Farthingon of Woodbridge gave $100, and Bruce W. and Suzanna B. Springfield, also from Woodbridge, donated $50.

The residents at the Four Seasons Adult Community held a white elephant auction at their Christmas party on Saturday. Each resident who signed up to bid nominated their favorite charity. At the end of the evening, the one nomination drawn was the Salvation Army.

The total collected from the auction was $511, and was broken down as follows:

Jean and William L. Shipley gave $375, Robert L. and Carole A. Jones gave $25, Stella A. and T.C. Butera gave $58 and Frank J. and Maureen M. Scott gave $53.

Kilroy’s Restaurant in Woodbridge continued it’s daily donation of $100 for the duration of the drive.

Potomac News/Manassas Journal Messenger Publisher Mark Laskowski set this year’s goal at $45,000. Last year, the Basket raised $41,619 between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

The Salvation Army helps residents with utility and other bills year-round and provides toys and food during the Christmas season.

The funds are distributed based on a system of guidelines set up by the organization’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Donations can be brought to the Manassas Journal Messenger office, located at 9009 Church St. in Old Town Manassas, or to the Potomac News office at 14010 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.

They can also be delivered to the Salvation Army at 17688 Possum Point Road in Dumfries.

Any contributions by mail can be sent to PO Box 431, Manassas, VA 20108-0431.

Checks should be made out to the Salvation Army.

Donations may come from individuals, groups or anonymous donors. Donors contributing in memory of friends or family are encouraged to write a brief message. Others may also include a message.