HOUTZDALE – The Project Santa 365 Workshop, located at Christ the King Church, 123 Good St., Houtzdale, will be open Mondays and Tuesdays, starting Monday, Oct. 29. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 20 at the church.
After speaking with two soldiers who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), St. Victoria’s Court #646, Project Santa 365 Coordinator Debbie Kruise made some changes to this year’s program. She’s received the blessings of Roger and Sharon Kritzer, parents of PFC Bradley Kritzer, who was killed in action May 5, 2004 while serving in Iraq and for whom PS365 was started.
Inspired by Amy Looney, PS365 will be following her lead by requesting everyone to include five to 10 Acts of Kindness. The CDA would like participants to write how they have honored and memorialized those who have served and are serving the country. Their good deeds may be sent to Project Santa 365, c/o Debora Kruise, 254 Lynn St., Madera, PA 16661. Or they can be dropped off with their donation at the Project Santa Workshop or at any of the following businesses; Shop N’ Save Express, Houtzdale; Leyos IGA or Northwest Savings Bank, Coalport; Clearfield Hospital, Clearfield; or Tyrone Hospital, Tyrone.
Financial contributions for shipping may be made to “Project Santa 365,” c/o Debora A. Kruise, 254 Lynn St., Madera, PA 16661.
Along with Acts of Kindness and letters, PS365 is requesting:
- American-made snacks, such as individual packages of nuts, trail mix, powdered drink mixes, especially Gatorade, coffee and cranberry juice;
- packages of gum, mints, hard candy, beef jerky, etc.;
- flip flops (for in the showers);
- microwaveable plastic containers;
- boot socks;
- hand and foot warmers
- Febreeze;
- phone cards;
- office supplies;
- air fresheners;
- sunglasses;
- disposable cameras;
- crossword and word search books;
- pens and pencils; and
- Christmas stockings.