One of the most generous businesses was River Valley Credit Union, which donated 80 stuff animals that were spread under a Christmas tree. After “Wild Walley,” Capt. Gillian Harvey, commanding officer for the Middletown corps of the Salvation Army, and radio station and Salvation Army volunteers stuffed the animals in large plastic bags and threw them over their shoulders, they looked like the world’s worst bank robbers.
“This is pretty overwhelming,” Schneider said of the donation pickup that lasted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Beth Greider, branch manager, said her credit union donated 40 from its stock reserved for children who open an account, and to her surprised, the main office donated 40 more.
She hopes the bears “bring joy” to the children, she said.
The toys will be distributed to needy children on Wednesday, Harvey said.
She was thrilled with the first-year donations and said, “it can only get better. It will because Middletown has a generous, giving spirit.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.
About the Author
