"I used to actually donate to the Salvation Army, and I helped with Toys for Tots. We've donated money to it every year. The kids actually pulled off the names from the Christmas tree. This year, we can't."

For Christmas this year, she said her son is really into Batman and The Hulk. Her eldest daughter loves Hannah Montana and "High School Musical," but is also in need of clothes. The youngest loves baby dolls, but can also use some learning toys to help her with some speech difficulties she is facing.

The Needy Family Fund, sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank, raises money during the holidays for the Valley's less fortunate. It is administered by Salvation Army citadels in Milton and Sunbury.

Today's balance is $16,055.

Recent donors are John and Melissa Covaleski, Lewisburg, $100; Alice Marquart, Lewisburg, $50; G. Alvesta Heim, Mount Pleasant Mills, $50; Ray and Betty Cook, Selinsgrove, $50; Kathleen S. Burch, Lewisburg, $50; Shirley Sheaffer, Mount Pleasant Mills, $35; Jack and Carol Dale, Millmont, $30; and Allan and Francine Corcoran, Lewisburg, $25.

Also, Betty Solomon, Mifflinburg, $25; David and Elizabeth Clough, Lewisburg, $300; Jack and Susan Marks, in loving memory of our son, Jeffrey A. Marks, Winfield, $100; Marcella J. Ream, Selinsgrove, $100; Donald and Joan Zerbe, Herndon, $100; Ken and Sandy Field, Lewisburg, $200; Robert L. Roat, Lewisburg, $100; Vivienne M. Richie, $50; and Gary and Marilyn Sites, Sunbury, $50.

Anonymous donations totaled $1,305.