It wasn’t a record-breaking year for the Watertown Salvation Army’s second-largest fundraiser, Old Newsboys Day, but agency leaders say $27,000 will serve many people in need.

Lt. Zeb Hough said the greater Watertown community responded well to the Salvation Army’s call for help to support both its Christmas effort and year-round programs.

“I think in any community on any given day, a day where we raise $27,000 is a good day,” Lt. Hough said. “We asked the community for volunteers and we got volunteers. Our promise and commitment from here is we’ll put their money and gift to the best possible use. Watertown has lived through 66 of these, but this was my first, and the fact that someone came even from Goshen, New York, is a statement to how important this day is to the community and the Salvation Army.”

Last year, the event raised $32,122.04. Sponsored by the Watertown Daily Times, fundraiser participants sell copies of the newspaper for anywhere from 75 cents to hundreds of dollars.

This year’s effort was made possible by many street sellers, businesses and organizations, including Kelly Campbell, Mike Maurer, Mike Renzi, Ed Olley, Dave Daily, Dave Fluno, Bonnie Yonkovig, Rob Krone, the Disabled Persons Action Organization, Katie Yonkovig, Joe Roselli, Bob Rounds, Bruce Irwin, Lonnie Bell, Val Bruce, Jessica West, Dorothy Reynolds, Al Walts, Elizabeth Law and Bob Schweitzer.

Also, Kevin Wilder, Josh Sheriff, some Jefferson Community College students, Jim Lafferty, Sue Swensen, Nick Luciani, Larry Branche, Joyce Fromm, Dave M. Bonney, Valerie Vallone, Todd Murrock, Amy Garceau, Jeanne Chapman, Jay Whitney, Forrester Wight, Pete Rogers, Lorraine Sorrell, Mike Graham, Angela Decker, Ronald J. Novack, Ken Netto, Kerri Grant, Sarah Martilotta, Sam Tufo, John Hess, Lee Clary, Pattie Schreck, Jonathan Bobbitt, and Mark Vallant with Boy Scout Troop 33.

Participating businesses include all buildings in the Watertown City School District, Samaritan Medical Center, Converse Labs, JCC Welcome Center, Sam’s Club, FiberMark Paper, General Brown Central School District, Stature Electric, Stebbins Engineering, Guilfoyle Ambulance, South Jefferson Central School District bus garage, Longway’s Truck Stop, Copenhagen Central School District, New York Air Brake, Dulles State Office Building, Jefferson County Office Building and the state Civil Service Employees Credit Union.

Donations also were collected at the Salvation Army office, and Dunkin’ Donuts donated coffee and doughnuts for the event.

People who were not able to contribute to Old Newsboys Day but would still like to give can make donations with cash or checks. Checks should be made payable to Watertown Salvation Army with “Old Newsboys Day” written in the memo line. Money may be dropped off or mailed to Watertown Salvation Army, 723 State St., Watertown, N.Y. 13601.

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