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Generous donations make all the difference

By LINDA D. COLE and INGRID L. KOHLER
Published February 5, 2005

Today's column starts a bit uncharacteristically, with two thank-you notes. The writers wish to thank readers for help they have provided but, because the need for assistance never ends for these two groups, thanks must be accompanied by yet another request.

The first letter of thanks comes from the GFWC St. Petersburg Woman's Club, specifically its Community Outreach Department. Marcy Edwards, the department's chairwoman, and Marjorie Joiner, deputy chairwoman, extend the club's gratitude for donations of fabrics and dacron/polyester fiberfill sent in response to an appeal made in this column last fall. The materials have helped the club's volunteers turn out pillows, lap robes and dolls, which are donated to Alzheimer's and AIDS patients at Hospice of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County nursing homes and the Bay Pines VA Medical Center. The ladies also create welcome bags for children entering the Salvation Army Crisis Center.

Readers' gifts of materials enable the club to bring comfort to many folks who need something soft in their lives. The ladies' final word: Please keep up the good work. Call Marcy at (727) 527-2945 or Marjorie at (727) 527-7582 if you have questions or wish to donate fabric or fiberfill.

Jackie Hall, school resource coordinator at Caney Creek Elementary School in Pippa Passes, Ky., writes to thank readers who continue to remember the needs of these students throughout the year, as well as at Christmas. This Christmas was wonderful, thanks to your generosity and hard work, and Jackie sends her heartfelt thanks.

Of course, the efforts to supply basic, everyday items to the impoverished children in this corner of Appalachia never end. For example, Jackie writes that there is a need for snacks that can be distributed during school break times: popcorn, cookies and rolled fruit snacks are among snacks that provide nutrition and an energy boost. Other continuing requirements that readers provide are toiletries, such as toothpaste, soap and deodorant; warm clothing, including mittens and hats; and nonperishable foods.

If you've missed out on helping these kids and wish to do so, send your items to Jackie at Caney Creek Elementary School, 6740 Highway 899, Pippa Passes, KY 41844.

Still don't have a large enough supply of recycled Christmas cards to feed your hungry hobby? Rachel Champion, who lives just north of Tarpon Springs, has 350 to 400 card covers with clean backs just waiting to be picked up. She can't mail them to someone on the list we published Jan. 15 because postage would put some strain on her budget, so Rachel hopes someone who can use a large variety of card covers in excellent condition will call her at (727) 942-9099 and arrange to pick them up.

If you need Norwegian language copies of the Psalms and the New Testament, you'll want to contact Martha at (727) 669-5517. The books are old but in good condition.

Linda of St. Petersburg is seeking a new residence for her cabinet model New Home sewing machine. The machine hasn't been used for several years and needs a cleaning. Please write to Linda in care of this column.

Hmmmm. Linda's sewing machine may be what Rose Borchers of St. Petersburg is looking for. Rose could use a sewing machine that has the bobbin on the top. Please call (727) 822-9201.

Polly was born a mimic, with the talent to make others laugh. She wanted to be a clown, but was persuaded by her grandmother the doctor to enter the medical profession. But that didn't mean Polly gave up the idea that laughter is the best medicine. She liked to make her patients laugh, and she is quite sure their hospital stays were shorter as a result.

In fact, for years Polly had a clown outfit that included a big red wig and nose and a ukulele, but the items have all been lost in moves. Now that she's retired and has more time to make people laugh, she's looking for a clown suit and an old uke. If you've can help Polly clown around, please call (727) 372-6754.

Lucie Somers of Safety Harbor wants to thank all the readers who provided grist for her crafts mill during 2004. And all she can say about donations of Christmas cards is: Wow!

The thank-you note from Rose Gianotti of New Port Richey echoes Lucie's sentiments; she assures everyone who sent her their used Christmas cards that they are deeply appreciated and will be put to good use.

Send requests to Reader Exchange, Floridian, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg 33731 or e-mail cole@sptimes.com Requests will be accepted only by mail or e-mail. This is an exchange column, so we will not run items that are for sale. Readers must agree to publication of phone numbers, including area code.

[Last modified February 4, 2005, 11:03:08]