More people than ever donated to the Tooele Transcript Bulletin Christmas Benefit Fund last year. The paper’s readership gave more than $15,700 in cash and thousands of dollars in wrapped presents, gift certificates and food for the Curtis and Trina Cook family last December.
With Christmas less than three weeks away, the Transcript Bulletin is still looking for nominations of local persons and families in need. A deserving person or family will be the recipient of donations from local individuals, families and businesses to brighten their Christmas holiday.
Last year readers were introduced to the story of Trina Cook, a 34-year-old mother of four young children diagnosed with incurable Stage 4 breast cancer, and they responded generously.
Another person or family in need with a compelling story is out there and there is still time to make a nomination.
Now in its 39th year, the Tooele Transcript Bulletin Christmas Benefit Fund has helped families throughout the county. Past recipients have struggled with medical and/or financial difficulties, which can be felt most acutely during the holiday season.
The nomination process is the way that a family or individual is considered for the benefit fund program. Once a recipient is selected, their story is shared with the readership and donations continue to be collected through Christmas.
A nomination letter should include a description of the challenges facing the person or family and how the benefit fund can help them. Nominations can be mailed to Transcript Bulletin Christmas Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 390, Tooele, Utah 84074 or dropped off at the Transcript Bulletin office at 58 N. Main Street.
Nominations are also accepted by email at tbp@tooeletranscript.com or to the editor at bern@tooeletranscript.com.
Past years have seen thousands of dollars in gifts and monetary donations, which can make a significant difference in the life of recipients, who are vetted by the Transcript Bulletin staff.
Last year, the Cooks were brought to tears by the generosity of readers when gifts and monetary donation were brought to the family’s home in Grantsville just before Christmas.