Patch Readers Adopt 38 Children for the Holidays

Thanks to our generous readers, Wyandotte Patch was able to deliver more than 50 bags of toys, clothing and other goods to the on Friday.

Patch readers sponsored 38 children through the which connects needy Downriver families with presents for children ages newborn to 14.

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On behalf of everyone involved, we'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who donated to the Wyandotte Patch/Salvation Army Angel Tree Program:

• Matt Dudzinski
• Amy Bruce-Stevens
• Pam Dawson
• Annette Catalano
• Sharon
• Mary Washko
• Chad Shush
• Alex Rushlow
• Gina
• Annette Richards-Muckenthaler
• Wendy Doute-Lacroix
• Dean Snell
• Nicole Bettis
• Frank Wladyslawski
• Clare Ramsey
• Sheri Sutherby-Fricke
• Freda Alley
• Mary Jo Heck
• Marilyn Osburn
• Heather Sandlin
• Andrea Fuller
• Tammy and Jeremy Trudelle
• Doug Zuba
• Donna Guzenda
• Lisa Vilella Agency/Farm Bureau Insurance
• Jason Alley

We asked our readers to tell us why they chose to get involved with the project. Here are some of the responses:

Doug Zuba: I know how fun Christmas can be and it makes me feel good to do something that I know I would totally love. I ended up getting a Nerf vortex disc gun and as a 30-year-old, I actually wanted to play with it, so I know it will be a good one for him. I hope he enjoys it and I bought him an extra cartridge of discs being that as a kid, I constantly lost mine. Anyways, I hope this puts a smile on his face and he can enjoy the time off school and play with this thing and torment his siblings with!

Tammy and Jeremy Trudelle: Nothing is more exciting then waking up on Christmas morning and finding what Santa has left for you as a child. It must be truly heart wrenching to be a parent and know that you are unable to fulfill the wishes of your child. We did this not only for the child’s happiness, but we also did this for the parent’s peace of mind and happiness as well.

Heather Sandlin: I chair an adopt-a-family program at my work and always try to give back as much as possible to my community. I know many that have suffered financial hardship in the area and how stressful the holidays can be, let alone for a family that is struggling. I have a 9-year-old son Dominic. I like to get my son involved so he understands the spirit of giving.

Amy Bruce-Stevens: We know that there are a lot of kids out there who aren't able to get the things they need or want at this time of the year, and we were hoping to give them a little bit of both to make their holiday better. 

Alex Rushlow: I decided to do this with my daughter Leela because a lot of people have lost the true meaning of Christmas. I want her to understand what it’s really about. I plan on doing something like this with my daughter every year.