PHILIPSBURG – Project Santa will hold a wrap up party on Saturday, Nov. 22 at The Alley Popper in Houtzdale. This event will feature the Clearfield band, Serious Jones playing great classic rock and more beginning at 10pm. There will be a $5 cover charge for the event. At this event, all of those who helped to make Project Santa a success will be honored.
Anyone who donates to this great cause by dropping off items of $5 or more in value at The Popper, will be entered to win a great prize that evening. Donations may be made any day during business hours leading up to the Wrap Up Party.
Brad Kritzer lost his life for his country on May 5, 2004, and a short time later his parents, Roger and Sharon, were determined to keep the memory of their only son alive and never forget those who are still fighting for freedom in Iraq.
The project began about 5 years ago when they received a letter from Brad prior to his death saying that some soldiers never receive mail or support from home. From that point on they have made sure plenty of items were sent to the soldiers serving in Iraq at Christmas and they even try to send packages every day.
When they began Project Santa in 2004, there was a load of supplies shipped overseas and the soldiers had them in time for Christmas. The Kritzers continue that effort, but once again, they need the community’s help.
“We know times are tough,” Roger Kritzer said. “But our passion is the military and standing behind our troops. We appreciate what we can get and do what we can with what we get.”
Recently, Brad’s unit was sent back to Iraq, which hits close to home for the Irvona RD couple. They know many of those Brad served with and pray for them and all soldiers each day.
While they send literally hundreds if not thousands of boxes overseas, they also sponsor a local soldier. This year they have chosen Caleb Cherish.
“As time goes on, people forget about our troops fighting for us,” Sharon Kritzer said. “Whether it’s us or another group, help a soldier and send them something to let them know they are remembered.”
For more information regarding this event, please contact Lisa at the Alley Popper, at 814-378-9711. For more information regarding Project Santa, call the Kritzers at 672-3734 or e-mail them at sharonkritzer@msn.com.