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Special Thanks to the employees of Gene Stevens Honda who held an extremely successful toy drive for Friends of Santa! They filled up my truck and Susie's car with their efforts. A lot of kids will have stuff under the tree because of you fine folks!

Another case of going above and beyond is Bellacinos Pizzeria. They called to offer Christmas Eve Dinner to 100 of our Folks. Every year our community continues to delight us with their initiative in coming up with new ways to help us make Christmas better for a lot of people.

Special mention also needs to be given to the employees of Marathon Oil. Their desire to put up a wishing tree in their offices downtown has already provided us with two truckloads of presents. Way to go Marathon.

Cooper tire employees have stepped up again this year and the call for pick-up at the cafeteria comes nearly daily! You guys and gals are truly special!

The Cooper Way : Do the Right Thing
Cooper People Open Hearts as Friends of Santa

Already well-known as a giving community, Cooper people outdid even their own customary generosity in donations this year to the Friends of Santa Christmas charity program.

This year, Cooper Findlay people helped 764 individuals, or 39 more individuals than they helped last year.

It’s just one more example of Cooper people doing the right thing, as “The Cooper Way” company creed states it.

Susie Malone, who organized the Findlay, Ohio-based Friends of Santa organization, said, “It just blows me away every year, how much Cooper people really help this area.”

In 2007, as in prior years, Cooper far outranked other businesses and civic groups in support for the charitable program. Donations by individuals, departments, and in cash collected on specially designated Jeans Days stripped a Christmas tree placed in the cafeteria of its roughly 80 wish lists several times.

Entire Cooper departments, in some cases, adopted families, went shopping and then delivered the gifts as a group.

In other cases, individual employees went above and beyond in helping the needy. Seeing a little girl’s lone request for a new pair of jeans, a Cooper woman bought the girl not one, but four pairs of jeans. A second Cooper employee fulfilled a small boy’s wish for a bag of candy and turned it into an opportunity for some health education, adding a toothbrush to the gift bag. A third employee received immediate gratification when he personally delivered a much-longed-for bike to a deaf boy: As soon as the boy spied the man removing the bike from his car and trundling it to the door, he ran up and started jumping, screaming with delight.

“Cooper people are always there, always ready to help,” Susie said. “Cooper people have the biggest hearts.”

The delivery went well! We met at her sister’s home and put the packages in the car right away. She was very thankful and seems to be a very warm and caring individual. Thanks for the opportunity to share with others. God bless you for all the work you do!

Susie: We delivered the gifts last night and all went well. Mrs. **** was very appreciative. Your program gives families like mine a wonderful way to help families in need at the holidays. If you ever need any volunteers for anything else with your program please keep me in mind.

We have some clothing and a few toys already. I plan to pick a few other items up this afternoon. I will call the mother to arrange a time for drop off. Thank you for the work that you and your organization does---it is wonderful that you devote your time to helping others, especially at such a busy time of year.

And here is a letter from a grateful family...

Hi Suzy! Joe M***** and family came over last night and I am overwhelmed with gratitude at all the blessings they gave my children.
One of the greatest gifts was just spending time, coloring with, and playing with them. But I cannot believe how much they gave us! 3 wrapped gifts each plus clothes, coats, hats and mittens, diapers, wipes, formula and socks.
They also gave Jake an Elmo and Autumn a Disney baby doll plus a coloring and magnet book while they were there. I am definitely going to write a formal letter thanking them and you and I just cant wait till I am able to “pass it on” and pay it forward. They made what was my most depressing year turn in to a magical and wonderful Christmas experience. I am so thankful!!!
I only wish that I could find a way to show them how much it all meant to me.
Is there anything I can do to help at all for you or the organization? Do you need anything for the party on Sat? thanks for signing up my kids, I lost track of the invitation. The kids were sick from Oct 26 till this past weekend but now they are healthy and we are really looking forward to the party Sat.

Take care and THANK YOU again!!!!

and another...

Dear Susie,
We received the money gift card from Kroger. I was amazed that we received an answer so quickly. We very much appreciate your help. What a wonderful organization you are serving. Bless you and Merry Xmas to you and your family

and still another...

Dear Friends of Santa,

My family and I just want to thank you all so much for all you have done this Christmas. I just don't know know to put it all in to words, I hope you have a happy new year. They are enjoying the toys and the clothes and let Caldwell Banker know they love the toys also .

and the thank yous go on...

Friends of Santa,

How can we ever thank you for giving our children a Christmas. Bless all of you. Our 5 children had the biggest smiles. And to you Susie you are the most caring person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Candice xxxxxx

This is to Friends of Santa

We were turned down because we were late at many places we had tried to get help at and as you said, it was past your cut off but you said you would find us something. AND YOU DID ! Friends of Santa gave my kids A HAPPY CHRISTMAS. John Joe Mark and Christy had plenty to open from your organization. What a wonderful thing you do. Happy New Year Mr & Mrs xxxxx

Susie you made a miracle happen for our family. I hope 1 day we can sponsor a family and give the gift of joy back that you gave to us.

Mary xxxx

Friends of Santa

United Way told us to contact your place for help and we did. We wanted to thank you for what we received everything fit and the toys were perfect for our little ones. Thanks for what you do

Jeff xxxxxx

Our prayers were answered when I contacted Friends of Santa. The sponsor was wonderful and even gave us extra stuff. Thanks to Cummings and Friends of Santa

xxxxxxxx

I work at Cooper and have seen the people come in and pick up the gifts from the tree. One little lady always smiling and so friendly to all as she walked by. My husband and I chose to sponsor a family this year . We talked to Susie by phone and she set us up with a family of 4. We took the gifts over Christmas Eve and to watch that family so excited brought tears to my husbands and my eyes. Thank you for letting us bring Joy to that family. It was a great experience and we will be back next year to sponsor another family.

Steve and Carol xxxxx

Hi I wanted to take the time and let you know that my son and daughter loved their bikes they received. Its hard being a single mom and making ends meet. I was so worried this year. Thank you for inviting my kids to Santa House they had a blast meeting Muddy and Madonna and seeing Santa and Mrs. Clause too.

xxxxxxx

hello we called you on Dec. 22 I was so depressed .We needed food . We had received some can goods from another place but they were all expired, we also received a coupon for a turkey but my son is allergic to turkey. You people told me to come over and you gave me 100 in Aldis coupons. That bought us a lot of food .Wanted to say thank you for helping us this year. We won't forget you

Michelle xxxxx

Christmas 2006 is now in the history books. Things seemed to be getting off to a slow start. That was leading us to believe that support might be scarce for 2006. Then, as if by magic, things just got crazy. The last couple of weeks prior to Christmas Day became quite hectic.

We had a lot of new friends help us out. Among Santa's new friends were,
The Civitan Club, The Moose Lodge, Elaine's Main Street Deli, The VFW, Amvets, Fern Cafe, American Legion, Jerry's Drive-Thru, Austin Grant Salon, The Crooked Needle, Covington Green Apartments, Miller's Luncheonette, Baker's Delight, IHOP Restaurant, Mad hatter Promotions, Twice But Nice, Tom Ahl Hyundai and the 6th Street Kroger.

Special mention must also be given to Ken and Nancy Cohen, Mayor Tony Iriti, WBVI 96.7FM, FlagCityOnline.com, The Courier and The Civitan Club, all of whom really stepped-up and made things happen.

Here are some pictures from an Event which took place at Elaine's Main Street Deli and Popcorn Company this Season

Christmas 2005 was our biggest year to date. And, as has been the case every year since 1999, the number of families helped was greatly increased. We were able to help upwards of 1400 families. Once again the Businesses and families of Findlay and Hancock County have stepped up to the plate and made it possible for those less fortunate to have a Merry Christmas.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank
Karla Lewis of Flagcityonline.com and Ann Cole of WBVI Mix 96.7
for all of the wonderful help they provided with getting out the word last year.
God bless you ladies! We would also like to thank The Keith and Beth Morning Show from
WBVI Mix 96.7
Keith and Beth, we sure had a lot of fun doing your show with you from Fricker's and the
Fort Findlay Coffee and Doughnut Shoppe this year.

      Thank you so much for helping my little boy have a wonderful Christmas.
   God has seriously blessed those who need help with people who care so
   much as yourselves. This is the second year I have come to "Santa's helpers"
   for help. Once again you have come through and not only am I thankful I know
   that my son is also. He is only 19 months old but I couldn't have given him a
   better Christmas on my own. I just finished going to school full time for
   nursing school. With God's will I will pass my boards and get a
   successful job. Next year I would like to be a sponsor for Friends of Santa
   and help someone like you all have helped me!
        Suzie a special thanks to you for being such a warm-hearted person and
   always thinking of others. You give me inspiration
   to keep on striving in life. Even when one thing lets you down, keep on going
   because there is always something to strive for. I do believe that everyone has
   a purpose on this earth. You are a true natural at what you do. I love you!
   Thank you!!
      To all of "Friends of Santa" , Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
                                                                                                          Sincerely,
                                                                                                                Karri & Davyon

      Receiving gifts isn't the only thing that brings joy in the Christmas season.
   This statement is backed up by the following letter from one of our
    sponsors this year...

    Susie,
    I wanted to thank you for giving us this opportunity. My son and I had so
   much fun shopping, wrapping and delivering gifts for these two children.
   He has already decided he wants to do it again next year. May you be
   blessed as you continue to help bless others.
                                                               Sincerely,
                                                                    Anita (last name withheld)

A great time was had by all at Fricker's Dec. 6th,
with local radio personalities Keith and Beth from WBVI 96.7
Here are a couple of pictures.........

      THANKS AGAIN to everyone who is helping us by collecting
   items for the families, allowing us to put up Wishing Trees in their
   businesses, to those who 'adopted' one or more children or
   families and also, those who sent in donations!