Suffolk Connection Inc., officers from Maryland, made a special trip to Suffolk to donate to the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund.

Lelia Bell-Manley, secretary, and Frank R. Kahan Jr., president, said they were very happy to be presenting a check on behalf of the club to the campaign

&uot;We have done this for many years because this is what the club has grown into: giving back to the community,&uot; said Manley.

The Suffolk Connection, which includes members of the former East Suffolk High School, was founded in 1991. Brenda C. Bell died in April. She was the sister of Manley, a resident of Maryland and a 1965 graduate of the school. Five men from the class met after the sad occasion and decided to reunite annually in a happier situation. They decided to form a club and named it The Suffolk Connection. Since then other students from the former ESHS have joined the club. There have been other deceased members along the way, but the club is still blessed to have 15 active members from Suffolk, Washington, D.C. and its surroundings.

We here at the News-Herald are quite appreciative of people like these members and anyone who gives of themselves no matter how large or small the gift. Why? Because we are pushing to meet the goal of $37,151 for the year 2002 to make Christmas a happy one for 1,653 underprivileged children in Suffolk.

You or members of your organization may also have a picture published making your donation with the news you wish to be printed to be included in an article.

Just make your tax deductible remittance to the Suffolk Cheer Fund c/o Suffolk News-Herald, 130 S. Saratoga St., Suffolk, Va. 23434 or bring it to the same address Monday-Friday from the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Balance Brought Forward: $12,502.66

Donations on Sunday, Dec. 15

The Suffolk Connection: $100

In memory of Jimmy, Johnny and Laura Boswell from S.S. Webb Jr.: $100

Suffolk Iron Works Inc.: $100

Suffolk Sheet Metal Inc.: $25

In memory of Kevin J. Reiland from James Blair: $100

In memory of Tom & Ossie Blair from James Blair: $100

Drs. Dodson, Taylor & Jett Inc.: $100

In memory of Kenny from E.W. Anderson: $100

Alpha Omega Class of West End Baptist Church: $50

Eure Heating & Cooling: $50

Grace & Ed Heidt: $150

In memory of Becky Godwin from anonymous: $25

Mr. and Mrs. George Y. Birdsong: $100

Total for Sunday, Dec. 15: $1,100

Total to Date: $13,602.66