Thanks from the Neediest

Every year, beginning during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the Chattanooga Times Free Press publishes its Neediest Cases appeal. And every year, readers and community members respond liberally. This year has been no different, and we extend a heartfelt "thank you" to all who contributed.

The pattern, well established over the course of more than nine decades, is familiar. Individuals, families, civic and social organizations, businesses and others made contributions. Many of the gifts celebrated, commemorated or honored friends, co-workers and family. Other gifts memorialized loved ones or were sent in lieu of gifts or seasonal cards.

As has long been the custom, each gift to the Neediest Cases Fund is acknowledged in the pages of the newspaper. Each is appreciated for the spirit of thoughtfulness for fellow residents it demonstrates. And, again following long-established practice, each gift will be used wisely by the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, the most comprehensive social services agency in the area.

The donations provide the agency with a beneficial source of supplementary funds for the coming year. It lets the Partnership assist individuals and families in need. Many times, those needs don't match the rules set forth by the public and private sources that provide the Partnership with the bulk of its funding. Money from the Neediest Cases allows the agency to provide help to meet demonstrable need when there is no other means of assistance readily available.

The Neediest Cases appeal officially concludes on Christmas Day, but the newspaper will continue to acknowledge late arriving, tax-deductible contributions through year's end. Gifts can be mailed to The Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or brought to the newspaper's office at 400 E. 11th St. Donations also can be made online at timesfreepress.com/neediest cases.

The large number of gifts this year to help those in need is soul-stirring. It brings a feeling of satisfaction to all involved and once again offers evidence of the magnanimous heart and good will of our readers and others in the community.