Radiothon Collects $10,000 For Needy

The second annual Christmas Radiothon pulled in almost $10,000, but it’s not too late to contribute to the fund that supplies toys and Christmas gifts to Shoshone County families in need, organizer Marcia Wingfield said Wednesday.

The event monopolized the airwaves at Osburn’s KWAL Radio from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, pitting banks, businesses and service organizations against each other in good-natured rivalry.

Dave Smith Motors more than doubled the day’s contributions at 5 p.m. with its $5,000 pledge. The business donated the same amount last year.

“We’re very pleased,” said Wingfield, noting that donations were up more than $1,000 - from $8,349 last year to $9,425 on Wednesday afternoon.

But more is needed.

“It’s a good amount, but the Silver Valley’s two Christmas funds spend far more than that,” Wingfield said.

Last year gifts and $30 food vouchers were provided to 330 Shoshone County families. A total of 675 children received toys.

Donations to the Christmas Radiothon will be accepted until Dec. 1, when the contributions will be evenly split between the Judy Lavergne Memorial Fund, serving the east end of the Silver Valley, and the Dave Smith Memorial Fund, serving the west.

They may be dropped off at the Recorder’s Office in the Shoshone County Courthouse or mailed to Radiothon, c/o Recorder’s Office, Shoshone County Courthouse, 700 Bank Street, Wallace 83873.

, DataTimes