There will be Christmas in Paradise thanks, in part, to the efforts of two sixth-grade students in Clarion.
Gavyn Denny, the son of First Sgt. Dustin Denny, launched a drive to help friends he knew in the Paradise area in California.
That town was destroyed by the recent Campfire wildfire.
“It went much better than expected. We have quite a bit more than we thought we were going to have,” said Dustin Denny. “Our focus now is to get sponsors for shipping so we can send it out to California.
“We had support from all over Clarion and even Redbank Valley Chevrolet and M&D Construction got involved. The chamber donated 40 or 50 stockings,” said Dustin Denny.
“I just want to thank everyone for all of the toys and clothing” said Gavyn Denny.
U.S. Army Captain Jonathan Guelzo, commander of the Recruiting Company in Clarion, presented Gavyn and Hayden with Army Challenge coins.
The items will be shipped at the end of this week. Monetary support is needed for the shipping costs.
Donations may be made to Bridge Builders in Oil City, and donors can type in Clarion strong and it will tag the money to this event.