Noted columnist and broadcaster, Paul Harvey, shared many inspiring stories by relating little known facts behind the headlines.
Most local residents are familiar with the efforts of the Toys for Happiness campaign which has served thousands of local children for more than 30 years.
But very few folks are aware of a series of events that frame the historical context of this important community service program.
The story began on a cold, blustery day two weeks before Christmas in 1979. A local home-based Head Start teacher, Ms. Janet, was concluding her weekly lesson for Maryanne’s 3 preschool children.
As she prepared to depart, Ms Janet inquired “Do you have your shopping done yet, Maryanne?”
Maryanne, a small, quiet unassuming woman, paused and then replied softly, ”I didn’t shop for Christmas this year. We gave our list to the Lord.”
Ms. Janet listened intently as Maryanne explained: “Well, the children understand that we don’t have much money for Christmas, but I asked each of them to share three Christmas wishes. I wrote them down, and we prayed that if it was God’s will, the gifts would be provided and after we prayed, we placed the list in our Bible.”
Ms. Janet was overcome with emotion as she pondered Maryanne’s response. Janet realized that if she had not prompted the question about shopping, Maryanne would never have revealed such a private prayer request.
When Janet returned to the Head Start Center, she related the incident to her colleagues.
The image of a mom surrounded by three small children praying over a Christmas wish list tucked quietly into the family Bible, brought tears to everyone’s eyes. But staff members realized that Maryanne’s situation was not unique.
Many local families were facing a sparse holiday due to limited financial resources. Phone calls and requests were promptly issued to various local family service agencies.
Under the direction of Mrs. Grace Fleming, the local Red Cross responded to the call for assistance. Mrs. Fleming organized a toy drive by contacting local merchants. Within days, the response was so great that more than 50 other Head Start children were provided with toys and gifts.
Upon learning of a mother’s quiet, humble act of faith, the congregation of a local church offered a monetary donation specifically for Maryanne’s family.
And so, the day before Christmas, Ms. Janet made a special visit to Maryanne’s home. “Get that list out of your Bible” Janet insisted. “We’re going shopping!”
Grace Fleming continued to coordinate the Red Cross toy drive until the Toys for Happiness project assumed responsibility for this annual campaign.
Special recognition is extended to: Ms. Janet (Janet Knetzer) for bringing awareness to an unmet need; to Mrs. Grace Fleming for initiating a program to meet that need; and to Toys for Happiness volunteers for continuing this important community service.
“Maryanne,”thank you for reminding us that, indeed, Christmas is a season of genuine faith and abiding hope.
And now …you, too, know … “the rest of the story.”
Victoria Thornton
Cumberland
Letters
Before Toys for Happiness, there was ... .
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Maryland has stopped being “The Free State”
I am a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and, last but not least, the National Rifle Association. I am a yearly member of the American Legion.
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Save the Bridge Program
Please do not close the Frostburg United Methodist Church Bridge Program. The community and many families need this program. Let me enlighten you about a few things.
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Town of Westernport needs a police force and a curfew
Since the consolidation of Bruce and Valley high schools the town of Westernport rapidly deteriorated from what was once a quite respectable community to a community in a decline in residents, and along with that came a collapse in local government due to lack of knowledge and bad decisions that set the town of Westernport back 60 years.
One bad decision was to give up their police force, and with no constant visual law enforcement it has created an open range for drug dealerss, addicts, thieves, drunks and speeding vehicles that choose to ignore our city laws and speed limits and have totally disregard for the safety of the citizens who are on the streets, especially the children who are like deer, you don’t see them until their in front of you. -
Financial gutting will damage school system
I am writing in response to the Allegany County Commissioners’ efforts to cut local education spending to the lowest possible level allowed under state law.
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Cemetery organization plans events to mark Memorial Day
This upcoming Memorial Day marks the 30th anniversary of the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization (CHCO).
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Outside water customers pay for town’s mistakes
The following is the opinion of the individual and in no manner reflects the opinion of any other person or organization.
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We’re twisting the meaning of the Founding Fathers’ words
I really had to chuckle when I read a recent comment someone made in a northeastern publication: “I’d like to suggest that Congress make a tiny change in our Second Amendment that would more accurately reflect the Founding Father’s intent (to wit): “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear muskets, shall not be infringed.”
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Their health benefits proved to be better than they expected
ObamaCare! Of all the terms the GOP uses as scare tactics, that one is my favorite.
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It’s time to ratify Equal Rights Amendment
I have three words I want to say: “It is time.”
By those three words, I am referring to passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). -
Preserve these things for future generations
This is an open letter to the mayor of Cumberland and Allegany County commissioners:
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Maryland has stopped being “The Free State”
