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Wednesday, December 13, 2006 · Page 8 Spirit of giving thrives BY DANIEL SCHWAB The spirit of giving was in full force in Essex last week, with several donations benefiting both the Essex Area Food Bank and the Essex Salvation Army. Jim Pickel, president of the Essex Optimist Club, presented Paul Gilbert of the Salvation Army with boxes of candycanes, colouring books and a cheque for $500 for the organization's annual Christmas campaign (see photo bottom right). The donations will go toward the Salvation Army's toy packages that will be distributed to families at Masonic Hall Dec. 22. Pickel also presented a similar donation to Eileen Clifford, founder of the Essex Area Food Bank. "The co-operation is fantastic," Clifford said. "And it's coming from all over. I'm just thrilled." Clifford said she expects the Essex Area Food Bank will be supporting close to 200 local families this holiday season. Clifford also received donations from 17 youngsters from the First Steps Child Care Centre, who each collected a canned good for the food bank (see photo right). Students of Maplewood Public School's Grade 7 class also got into the holiday spirit by raising $1,200 through a read-a-thon to buy toys for the Salvation Army's Christmas campaign (see photo below). The students of Jim Bondy's class visited local stores to spend the cash. They spent all but $0.73. "Can we call ourselves Santa's helpers now?" Bondy asked Gilbert after donating the dozens of boxes of toys. "You're a great part of the work we do," Gilbert told the Grade 7s. The Kinsmen Club of Essex also kicked in $300 for the initiative. Thank-You to all area sleuths who put their skills to work to complete The Essex Free Press Holiday Hunt! Essex BIA The Winners Are: Congr atulations Darlene Perry of Essex ! Marilyn Taylor of Essex $50 BIA Bucks $25 Gift Certificate from Rizzo's Crossing Pancakes & Sausage, Juice & Coffee $5.00 per person · Under 2 Free Santa, Mrs. Claus, music by Harmony Plus and "The Night Before Christmas" read by Mayor McDermott Co-Sponsored by Essex Rotary Club · Advance tickets ONLY December 16th 10:00 am 776-9811 For Tickets 519-776-6481 TIRE & AUTO SERVICE TOWING 24/7