Editor:
On behalf of the employees of Ridge Area Arc, I would like to publicly acknowledge a gentleman who made a donation to the Arc with the instructions that it was to be given to the Arc's employees in appreciation for the work they do.
The week before Christmas cash gifts were given to each of the employees. One employee whose husband had recently been laid off from work, said with tears in her eyes, that the first thing she did was put gas in her car. Another employee used her gift to purchase Christmas gifts for her kids. These were gifts that she would not have otherwise been able to afford.
The Arc has been blessed during the past month when many individuals stepped forward to make contributions to the Arc's annual appeal, or purchased gifts for residents in the Arc's group homes who have no family remembering them at the holidays, or gave food and gifts to families adopted by the Aktion Club. We are grateful for the generosity shown toward the Arc and the individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities served by the Arc.
I was thrilled to play Santa's helper for the third year by giving out the gifts to the employees, and as instructed, only told them that a Secret Santa admires the work they do. Thank you again for your generous donation.
Rhonda Beckman, CEO
Ridge Area Arc
Wednesday, January 02, 2013 - www.newssun.com/ltr-010213-beckman