Two great holiday traditions

Here at the Daily Times, we like to think we have a sense of tradition.

That's especially true around the holiday season.

That's one of the reasons why for more than four decades we have partnered with the Salvation Army in Chester on The Merry Christmas Fund.

The concept is simple. We ask readers to forego maybe greeting cards or one gift and instead make a donation to the great work done in the city by the Salvation Army.

In return we allow readers to post a short message. We list the donations - and the messages - in the paper every day.

This is the 45th year we've run the Merry Christmas Fund. Last year we did not hit our goal of $50,000. We remain undeterred, and again this year have set the bar at $50,000.

Here's an important part. Please don't mail your check or money order to us us here at the Daily Times. Mail it instead directly to the Salvation Army at Chester Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1032, Brookhaven PA 19015.

You can read the first list of those who donated here.

Our other tradition is something we've now been doing for the past few years and has proved wildly popular with our readers. So this year we've decided to enlist their help.

Each holiday season, we've been turning over our feature photo spot on Page Two to something we've dubbed "Homes for the Holidays."

Pretty simple, really. We run photos of some of the great holiday displays people erect at their homes.

Now remember, there are some ground rules. First and foremost, we don't make guarantees. Second, this is not a contest. There is no prize for best decoration or the most lights. We don't judge. We simply present.

But there is a problem. Imagine that, a newspaper with a problem.

We are dealing with some serious staffing issues, especially when it comes to our photographers.

So this year we're looking for a little help. And we think our readers are more than ready to step up and answer the call.

If you'd like to see your house featured on Page Two of the Daily Times, email me your photos to editor@delcotimes.com.

Just remember, I'm not in the business of making guarantees, except for being perpetually frustrated by the Eagles, but then I've already written about the Birds this morning.

One thing we will try to do is use something from every part of the county.

Join us in this great holiday tradition.

Share your best shots for our Homes for the Holidays Page Two feature.

Help us share a little holiday cheer, especially since so much of the paper every day deals with what can kindly be described as not the best of circumstances.

We really do love the holidays. And we want you to join in our efforts.

Joy to the World. At least our little corner of it.

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