There should be little doubt in most readers’ minds that this newspaper is a huge fan of the city of Suffolk. We are proud to be part of this city, and we are proud of the many wonderful things that take place here. To be sure, there are sometimes things we wish wouldn’t happen in Suffolk, and there are folks who turn out to be less-than-stellar representatives of the city, but still it would be hard to find folks who are more “all-in” about Suffolk than we.

But this time of year finds us turning up our thankfulness for being in Suffolk to another level entirely. That’s because this time of year is when we get to see the generosity of Suffolk residents in full force, as we get to watch them contribute to the Cheer Fund, ensuring that children in Suffolk will see toys under their Christmas trees.

The Suffolk News-Herald started the Cheer Fund during the Great Depression to provide clothes and food for needy families. It eventually began providing toys for children and teamed up with the Toys for Tots program.

Toys purchased with Cheer Fund donations are distributed by the Salvation Army at its annual toy store in December. Families that receive toys are pre-approved based on financial need.

Last year, the Cheer Fund raised more than $43,000 from foundations, civic groups, churches, businesses and individuals. Every penny of those donations goes toward the purchase of toys.

Due to the community’s generosity, 2,319 children in 1,101 families received three new toys, which their parents were able to choose at the Salvation Army’s toy store.

This year’s goal is $30,000, and the primary collection efforts have begun in earnest. History has shown us just how generous we can expect folks in Suffolk to be, and we just want to take this moment to say “Thank you!” Your generosity is amazing and a great source of the pride we feel about this fine city.

If you would like to help us reach our Cheer Fund goal this year, it’s easy to do so.

Cheer Fund donations are printed in the Suffolk News-Herald and can be made in honor of or in memory of a loved one. The donor can be listed anonymously if he chooses. The donor can also have his photograph taken giving the check to be published in the newspaper.

Donations for the Cheer Fund are accepted year-round. To give, write a check payable to the Cheer Fund and mail it to P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439, or stop by our office at 130 S. Saratoga St. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Online giving is also available. Visit Suffolk Cheer Fund on Facebook to find a PayPal link.

Thank you so much.