Contrary to many charitable endeavors during the recent holiday season, the Salvation Army Gowanda Service Unit exceeded last year's Red Kettle collection by 30 percent.

     "While our goal was minimal compared to larger units, it has been gratifying to see the outpouring from area residents, both young and old, who gave freely to help those in need," Joan R. Byrne, local kettle drive chairperson, said in making the announcement.

     In addition to the many senior volunteer bell ringers, the unit was fortunate to have volunteers from the Gowanda Central School Honor Society and area Cub Scouts. "This allowed us to have additional days for manning the kettles that certainly contributed to making this year's campaign a success, and the generosity of Jim Fort in allowing us to set up the red kettle inside Jubilee Foods is a huge factor in obtaining volunteers," Byrne said.

     "With neighboring communities having difficulties obtaining a sufficient number of volunteers resulting in fewer collection days, we in the Gowanda Service Unit are extremely grateful and proud of the willingness of our volunteers to spend the hours they gave in manning the kettles," she concluded.

     The addition of two unmanned kettles also added to the amount collected locally. All the money raised in the local kettles is used for assistance to area residents.

     Spearheading the Salvation Army Gowanda Service Unit in addition to Byrne are Patricia Tucker and Mary Cummings. They can be reached at the following numbers: Byrne, 532-2507; Tucker, 337-3703; and Cummings, 532-5836.