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* When we think of what children want and need at Christmastime, most of us are thinking toys, maybe coats ... but our minds don't often turn to shoes. Fortunately, there those among us who DO make sure children in need have the shoes they need. Through the Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund, Rob Fouss and Pam Fouss Wenmoth honor their father -- who spent 46 years in the shoe business -- by ensuring local kids in need get new pairs of shoes for Christmas. "My father made sure that any kids who came into his store who needed shoes left with a new pair on their feet," Rob Fouss said. "It is a humbling feeling to help others less fortunate, and this charitable fund is a way that I can honor my father's lifelong ambition to help those in need." Hundreds of local children have received shoes because of the memorial fund. Thank you to Rob and Pam -- and to their late father, who set the example of generosity they follow.
* While many are getting a little more time to lounge around over the couple of weeks that include Christmas and New Year's Day, some jobs must be completed no matter what. First responders, medical professionals, those working in the restaurants and gas stations the rest of us are using ... there are quite a few who do not get to give in to the suspension of time that seems to take place around the holidays. That includes those who must care for the animals at our local shelters. Volunteers made sure the cats and dogs at the Humane Society of Parkersburg were fed, walked, cuddled and loved even on Christmas Day. That care was in addition to the Home for the Holidays program, which allowed families to foster animals during this time. "They can take them home and either return them after Christmas or after the New Year," said Shelter Manager Samantha Tannous. "Or adopt them, whatever works for them." Here's hoping there weren't many returns. But whatever the case, thank you to ALL who are working through these weeks.