Suffolk News-Herald

The end is in sight.

Residents, organizations and businesses have contributed $37,070 to the Suffolk Cheer Fund, pushing it just shy of this year’s $40,000 goal.

All money raised through the Suffolk News-Herald’s annual holiday fund-raising campaign is earmarked for the Suffolk Toys for Tots program. Sponsored by the South Hampton Roads Association of Financial Advisors, the program provided toys for more than 3,000 underprivileged children in Suffolk this holiday season.

Although the Christmas season is over, the newspaper will continue collecting donations through Jan. 15, 2004, said publisher Andy Prutsok.

&uot;We’re just overwhelmed by the last-minute show of support,&uot; said Prutsok. &uot;I don’t mind admitting that just over a week ago, I was sweating bullets, but our readers always seem to come through for Suffolk children.&uot;

Prutsok noted that Suffolk Rotary Club’s annual donation has not been included in the total. Last week, the club raised more than $8,000 at its annual charity auction. Board members will vote soon on disbursement of those funds.

&uot;I’m confident Rotary will put us over the top,&uot; Prutsok said.

John Woleben, chairman of Suffolk Toys for Tots, praised the generosity of the Suffolk community.

&uot;I am pleased to see that our goal of $40,000 is close at hand,&uot; he said. &uot;Our goal is readily attainable, if people in the Suffolk community continue to feel the true spirit of Christmas, and those capable share from their abundance to help those in need.&uot;