Thanks to Silberline, community

Dear Editor,

On Aug. 5, the Tamaqua Salvation Army took part in Tamaqua's National Night Out Celebration with a Kidz Karnival. The response we received was amazing, enabling us to reach our goal, thanks in large part to a local business.

Silberline Manufacturing Company of Hometown matched dollar for dollar the Kidz Karnival ticket sales and donations up to $10,000.

The fundraiser was held at the North Railroad Street parking lot and included numerous activities, food and games for the whole family. Whether you threw sponges at the face of a wrestler, were challenged in a jousting battle, felt the breeze of the swing ride, ate hot dogs or played carnival games, we want to say thank you! Hundreds turned out for the event. "What a great response from the community!" offers Maj. Sharon Whispell.

Many thanks go out to the generous volunteers from the community who helped man the fun-filled activities. There were donations and volunteers from schools, local churches, businesses and from the Salvation Army Corps itself.

Thank you to the Borough of Tamaqua for the use of the parking lot, assisting in the setup and allowing the use of their equipment.

Thank you to Leona Rega, Tamaqua Safety Initiative Coordinator, for organizing the National Night Out event.

Thank you to those residents of North Railroad Street who offered the use of their rented parking spaces.

And a special thank you goes out to all who donated, as well as the families who came together to enjoy the day.

A $10 donation or purchase of tickets actually represented a $20 donation. Silberline generously donated $8,600 to match the $8,600 raised for the event, totaling $17,200 for The Tamaqua Salvation Army's first Kidz Karnival.

As the Christmas season and cold weather near, the need becomes even greater. All proceeds will benefit the Tamaqua Salvation Army and couldn't have been possible without the support of the entire community.

The goal of the Kidz Karnival was to provide safe family fun for all, as well as to raise money for all of the programs and enrichments in Tamaqua: field trips, literacy initiatives, art supplies, books, social services, senior programs, computer programs, exercise programs and so much more. We could not be more proud of how our community came together on National Night Out.

Sincerely,

Maj Sharon Whispell,

The Salvation Army board of directors

Tamaqua Salvation Army Corps and staff members