(Editor's Note: The following letter was originally sent to Monsignor Sweeney and all the parishioners of St. Anne's and is shared here at the request of St. Anne's.)

Father John Cervini and I are most grateful for the gracious generosity of all your parishioners who so unselfishly contributed toward the magnificent gift check you sent to us for our holiday needs. We send our special thanks also to Jack McGowan and Virginia Mitchell, who are the expert coordinators and to all the parishioners who adopted our hurting families.

Each year as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays draw near there is always a big question mark in my mind of "how is this ever going to work?" Father Cervini always says to me, "Ann, I don't want you to worry about money!" Somehow between Father John's great faith and your continuous support, I really don't have to worry. Our hurting people were generously fed and over 1,000 children each received three or four wonderful new toys -- they told us all they never expected nor experienced such a wonderful Christmas. I humbly tell you, I experienced the Christmas Miracle again.

We both thank you for your sharing with us in the Spirit of the Christ Child. We are deeply moved and grateful. We wish the Blessings of Christmas and good health throughout the New Year to you and all you love.

Ann Druckenmiller

Executive Director

Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center, Inc.