I just wanted to share how the Irene Reither School made a wonderful Christmas for my son and his family. My grandson attends the school and if you are in need of help for Christmas they have the parents sign up and come in to the school. They give them presents for the kids along with a gift certificate for Christmas diner. Also, discounts to buy toys. They where treated so nice.
When they got home and told me with all their excitement it brought tears to my eyes. With the money brought in for the discount toys, the school donates the money to the food bank. There was a lady that took her time and money and made homemade blankets for the kids.
I just wanted to share this wonder school and the people behind it with everyone. They make what the holiday is all about. It made my family's Christmas.
- Mari Alyce Nobile of Lynden, via Letters to the Editor
As one of the attendees, I would like to thank American Legion Post 154 in Ferndale and the organizers, promoters and participants of the Welcome Home event held Dec. 15 in honor of fallen troops and returning veterans. Beginning with Miss Whatcom County as emcee, the program provided at Whatcom Community College read like a roster of Whatcom's Got Talent, including the Ferndale High School band and cheerleaders, bagpipers, Campfire Girls, and Ferndale's own Keith LaBounty, to name a few.
Bellingham's mayor was on hand as were Gold Star Mothers, who shared their own stories of life in a military family, and of sons who made the ultimate sacrifice. Following was a reception with burgers, brew, and rock 'n' roll provided by local favorites Hempler's and Boundary Bay Brewing.
Many Whatcom County residents in the active and reserve forces are attached to Naval Station Everett, Joint Base Lewis-McChord or bases farther away, and could not make the event. They nevertheless join me in extending their thanks to the community for its efforts to welcome and support veterans and returning troops, and assist their return to civilian life.
- Gord Wilson of Bellingham, via Letters to the Editor
I would like to say a public thank you: Nov. 30, that day where a horror was happening elsewhere, my son's choir went to the mall to carol. They stayed there for lunch, but my son had no money and therefore no lunch. A man at the next table found out and gave my hungry and sad son $10, with which he bought his own lunch and a drink for a classmate.
He forgot to give the man the change, so instead put it in Haggen's Salvation Army bucket. Thank you so much, kind stranger - you helped my boy maybe more than you can know. Mr. Rogers said "Look for the helpers." May we all be helpers like that gentleman. Blessings!
- Margaret Lyons of Bellingham, via Letters to the Editor
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