Published Sunday, December 22, 2002
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of The Herald's yearlong series of stories following three families affected by the Nov. 10 tornado in Clark and South Pymatuning Township.
By Larissa Theodore
Herald Staff Writer
Jan Scott spent years collecting a massive amount of unique Christmas decorations.
After mighty tornado winds made mincemeat out of her and her husband Jim's Clark home on Nov. 10, she spent a while picking through the rubbish, hoping to salvage something.
But few of the holiday decorations were left.
Though Christmas won't be the same this year for the Scotts and other families shaken by Mother Nature, several angels out of New Castle tried making the holidays a little better for them.
Seven families, including the Scotts, received surprises Saturday from the Youth Development Center of New Castle.
The center donated food and gifts to seven families from Clark and South Pymatuning left teetering from last month's tornado. Two additional families being followed by the Herald: Trish and Matt Mueller of Hermitage and Tim Reeher and Rebecca Campbell of Hermitage also received gifts from the youth center.
Three teens from the chemical abuse program at the center helped with the drop-off. Out on good behavior, the boys were allowed to meet the different families and help hand out contributions.
Harry Adams, youth development aide, said it was a "major event" for the boys. "They never get to leave, so it's a thrill for them to get out, ride around and see people."
One of the teens, 16-year-old Luis said he felt for the families affected by the tornado.
"I've never done anything like this and it's kind of sad," he said, referring to delivering the packages. Tom, 18, another helping hand, said delivering the food and presents gave him a warm feeling inside while giving back to the community.
Marcus, 18, said he was just having fun. On Friday they were able to visit patients at the hospital of Jameson at New Castle and give out handmade baskets to patients who don't have families.
Marcus said he was touched in particular by a female elderly patient who held his hand from her sick bed.
"The lady was about 98-years-old and she didn't want to let my hand go. I felt like crying," he said.
"I like helping people. I want people to know I'm not just selling drugs. I'm doing something positive with my life."
The Scott's, former residents of Nora Street in Clark, appeared happy with the gesture. They received a decorative Christmas pillow, among other draws, to add to their accumulation of new holiday ornaments.
"It's been a big success," said Tammy Caruso, recreation specialist. "We delivered baskets to patients and we'll deliver more food baskets on Monday."
Mrs. Caruso said it was the second year the center has donated to afflicted members of the local community and the program "definitely" will continue next year.
Donated goods were garnered through a food drive and several fund raising programs organized through the center. Rachel's Roadhouse, Springfield Township, donated nine turkeys, one for each family.
For the past two years the Youth Development Center has searched for people in need, said Bernadette Donegan, development center supervisor.
Last year was the first and most difficult time for the drive because families are found through word of mouth and the word wasn't too successful.
Because the development center can't go through other agencies to find needy families, leftovers had to be donated to the City Rescue Mission, New Castle.
"We want to give to people who need it, instead of it going elsewhere. It worked out for us this year," Mrs. Donegan said.
The food was acquired through several different fundraisers and toys for the children were purchased with extra money from last year's account.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore at ltheodore@sharonherald.com