The 49th Annual Souderton Holiday Parade rolled through town filled with kids, the Big Red Marching Band, trucks and classic cars, costumed characters and loads of fire trucks. Oh, yes, that jolly couple in red was on hand to get everyone into the spirit.

Many thanks to the volunteers who worked to make the parade run smoothly. The Promotions Committee spent months anticipating problems and finding creative solutions. A team of volunteers showed up the morning of the parade and put in several hours of cheerfully turning madness into a smooth parade.

The commercial units in the parade all made generous donations that enabled STMS to cover the associated costs of the parade. Someone has to pay for the mailings, ads portajohns and printing. Landis Supermarkets, Hatfield Quality Meats and Giant Supermarket all donated toward the cost of the rolls, hot dogs and donuts.

Our webmaster, Sitecats Web Development , resolved nearly all the glitches associated with the online registrations. We found several firewalls that would not permit online registrations. We are glad we could not "fix" that issue.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6, 2008 for the 50th Anniversary of the Souderton Holiday Parade.

Did anyone notice the new benches and trash cans in downtown? How about the new sidewalk in front of the new parking lot that is still under construction?

Don't forget the new garland and lights on the street lamps! Did you see the new banners on those lamps?

Yes, the Souderton Borough Public Works staff was very busy the week before the parade to make sure we presented a wonderful downtown streetscape to our visitors. We owe them many thanks for their hard work.

Check out the online slide show featured on the Reporter's website!

Indian Valley Opportunity Center is in full gear for the holidays. They faxed over a page full of ideas on how we can help them help others in our community. Call them at 215-723-5430 for details on how you and your group can contribute time, cash or goods and share your warm holiday spirit.

Adopt-A-Child/Family lets you or your group adopt a child or family and provide them with needed items. Holiday Food Baskets for needy families provide the ingredients for a holiday meal.

Emergency Assistance Fund will accept contribution of cash for use throughout the year for families in a crisis situation.

Gift Distribution allows eligible families to enjoy a "free holiday shopping experience" on Sunday, December 9, 2007. You are invited to drop off new and gently used children's clothing, toys and games, arts and craft kits, books, etc at their partner in this project, Emmanuel Lutheran Church by December 6.

Telford Borough Police Department is sponsoring the Jessica Leshinskie Memorial Food and Gift Drive in support of needy families in the Indian Valley community.

For information contact Detective Randy Floyd at 215-723-6700. All Donations Stay in our Local Community.

You and your organization have an opportunity to participate in helping your neighbors. There are many ways that you can help . . .

• Purchase Gift Cards from Local Retailers and Grocers
• Make a Financial Donation

The STMS office will be closed from December 24 through January 2.

Your next email from STMS will arrive on January 2 with news of upcoming activities in 2008.

The Staff and Volunteers of Souderton-Telford Main Streets would like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah and a prosperous New Year.