Friends of Santa

News Page

2011

Another Christmas Season has come to a close and thanks to Findlay, Friends of Santa were
able to help many of those who would not have been able to make the season very bright for their children 
without some help. Here are some of those wonderful folks!



Here we find (L to R) the lovely Keri Croy (Marathon employee), camera shy Susie,
Kevin and the very energetic Patty Gill. They are standing in front of
the Marathon tree in the Headquarters building downtown. Marathon is 
a huge part of Friends of Santa year after year. We are truly blessed
that they keep taking part.



This is Kevin Rogers (Friends of Santa Helper Extraordinaire)
and Lisa Walker of Rowmark Inc. This was the second year that Rowmark participated
and Kevin is presenting Lisa with a Certificate of Appreciation. Susie always wants to
make sure her contributors know how much they are appreciated!


Here Kevin is presenting a Certificate to Kay Oler
 of Olers Bar and Grill on Lima Ave.
If you haven't eaten at Olers, you are missing out!


Flag City Water joined us for the first time this Year. Welcome
aboard Sherri! Hope to see you again next year!



The VFW Post 5645 has been with us for several years now and
continue to be a vital part of our efforts.

This is at a meeting of the AMVETS Post Officers. A special thanks to Pat Enck. It was Pat's wife,
Marsha, who got the Amvets involved with us in 2010. Sadly, Marsha passed in 2011. In honor of her, Pat took care of every last tag left on the tree this year. God Bless you Pat


2010

 

Once again a very Special Thanks to the employees and customers of 
Gene Stevens Honda
who held an extremely successful toy drive for Friends of Santa!
A lot of kids will found
stuff under the tree because of you fine folks!


 

2009

Bellacino's Party

Not only did Bellacino's Restaurant do an outstanding job with their 
Wishing tree again this year, but they threw a great Party for Friends of Santa
Families and fed everyone a delicious meal. Santa Claus showed up to ensure the kids (no matter how old they were) were taken care of this year! Click on the Thumbnails below and then use your return button to get back for the next picture...

dscn2626.jpg (1279880 bytes)

 

2008

Santa did great!!


Special Thanks to the employees of Gene Stevens Honda who held an extremely successful 
toy drive for Friends of Santa! A lot of kids will have stuff under the tree because of you fine folks!

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!

Report From the Cooper Tire Newsletter....

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.”



   Here a some of the things we are hearing from some of our sponsors this year. 
You can see how rewarding their efforts were...

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 the thank you's 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

 

2006

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. 
                                            


2005

      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. 

 

 A Letter from one of our families....

    Dear Friends of Santa,

      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.........

            

  

   Click below for locations of our wishing trees and drop off boxes

   Trees and Collection Boxes


 

2004

The sponsors who helped in 2004 were individuals, families, 
   local businesses, an office from the University of Findlay, several 
   classrooms from two local elementary schools (they did this 
   for their class  service project) plus two Camp Fire Girls groups

 

   A Special THANK YOU!

      A family who was sponsored this past Christmas would like 
   to say "THANK YOU" to the two classrooms which sponsored 
   them.  I have copied their letter for all to read:

 

      Thank you for the presents.  I loved everything.  I really liked 
   my basket with all the hair stuff and my poncho.  I wish we could 
   pay you back for all you have done.  I hope you had a 
   Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! -- an 8 year old girl

 

      Thank you for the lip gloss, nail polish and American Girl 
   Magazine.  I loved my poncho very much!  I hope you had a 
   Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! -- an 11 year old girl

 

      Thank you for the clothes, the block buster card & the 
   basketball.  The clothes fit perfect! -- a 13 year old boy

 

       Thank you so very much to the special unselfish young man 
   who gave us the tickets to Cedar Point! You are so Very kind, 
   Generous and Warm Hearted.  Stay that way and when you grow 
   up you will go far!  May God Richly Bless You & your Family, like 
   you have ours. We can tell you are truly a Blessing to your 
   family! -- from the parents

   

      The young man the parents are talking about is from one 
   of the local school classrooms which sponsored the family 
   in 2004.  The school has a fund raiser each year at Christmas 
   time & the children who participate get their name put into a 
   hat for a chance to win prizes. This young man won a major 
   prize of Cedar Point Amusement Park tickets.  He said as soon 
   as he received the tickets, he would donate them to the family 
   his class sponsored.  And he did. His parents must be very 
   proud of him for the special gift he has given!

    The family has told us they are looking forward to their day of fun!

      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!  

                                               

                                     Links

   Wishing Tree and Drop-Off Locations  for our Wishing Trees & Drop Off 
                                                                    Donation Boxes

   Upcoming Events   information on our fundraisers, bake sales and food drives.

   Check out FlagCityOnline.com  Thank you, K. L., for putting us on your website again!

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