Just wanted to give a report on the drive to help Zack have a good Christmas started by 41 mag fan here on the forum. So far four members have contributed a total of one hundred seventy dollars via. paypal, check, money order and cash.
Two packages have come in; one contained a brand new soft case for Zack's new rifle, a very nice comprehensive firearms cleaning kit with additional cleaning supplies such as .22 cal patches, solvent, etc.
The other package contained numerous packages of paper targets, an assortment of .22 ammo, a swinging .22 cal target, assorted new outdoor winter wear (gloves, hats, boot socks, etc.) for both Zack and his little sister, and some novelty choc. candy.
I also have a promise of a Playstation III game to be sent in the mail and am to meet a member between our locations to receive some good used toys of the type Zack enjoys ( things to put together and manipulate with his hands) and possibly some more hunting clothing if the sizes he has are right.
And, of course, the rifle, which sort of got the whole thing started; a donation of a Marlin model 60 semi auto .22 with a nice scope included.
Many thanks for 41 mag fan getting this whole project started, and to each who have donated to help make Zack's (and his sisters) Christmas better than it otherwise would have been.
I have already taken Zack out and had him pick out presents for his mom and dad (this was a request of one of the donors). He was given a budget of $15.00 each and chose a nice watch with a leather band for his dad and a set of earrings and pendant necklace for his mom. I still have to take him shopping for something for his little sister. With the same $15.00 budget for this purchase, that will leave $125.00 and I have made arrangements to take his mom and dad shopping one day next week while Zack is in school to spend this Christmas money for toys and clothing items.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help; normally I would have been able to do more myself, but with all the extra expense involved in my daughter's illness/hospitalizations I am running pretty dry (the ambulance trip from Knoxville, Tn. to the teaching hospital in Phila. Pa alone was $6500.00)
So, the extra help from my brothers here on the forum is a Godsend and I am forever grateful for the men who have stepped up and given from their hearts and means. I know that the donations will make Zack's Christmas better than it otherwise would have been.
My wish for each of you is that your Christmas be a blessed time of enjoying family and reflecting on the greatest gift mankind has ever known: the gift of Christ,( Emmanuel, God with us) to a lost and dying world.
