Bellringer: Wife of late postmaster donates to Salvation Army in his memory
Every year, Simi Valley’s city historian, Patricia Havens, tries to donate to The Star’s Bellringer drive in memory of her late husband, Neil, who was the city’s longtime postmaster.
Havens, 88, said her husband frequently volunteered for the Salvation Army, where all funds raised by the drive are given. This year, she gave $100 to Bellringer.
“He was a volunteer for the Salvation Army for a long time,” Havens said. “He would just show up and do whatever was needed, usually probably having to do with serving food.”
Neil Havens was postmaster for 30 years, beginning in 1958. He died in 2004 at age 74. The Simi Valley Post Office at 2551 Galena Ave. was renamed after him in 2014 through legislation signed by President Barack Obama.
The Star’s annual Bellringer drive will run through Christmas with the newspaper publishing a daily list of new contributions, except on Mondays. Although The Star acknowledges all contributions, donors can remain anonymous, if desired. All money raised will be given to the Salvation Army to serve people in need.
Checks to Bellringer should include the donor’s name, phone number and, if desired, the name of the person, organization, pet or other cause in whose memory it is given. The information, in a message of up to 35 words, will be shared with readers at vcstar.com.
More on Bellringer:
- Ventura sister gives for her two brothers, who died ’way too young’
- Camarillo woman donates to honor her parents
- Neighborly spirit of helping inspires donation to Salvation Army
- Ventura couple honors memory of Thomas Fire victim with donation
- Ventura woman gives back to organization that helped her
List of new donors
“In loving memory of our departed sisters, especially Nadine Churchill and Phyllis Whitlock. Ventura Emblem Club 157: $100
“In memory of Kenneth and Patrick Malone.” Shyla Malone: $100
“Believe!“ Peter and Donna Hochschild: $200
Anonymous: $250
“In loving memory of Bill Carpenter, who gave to the Salvation Army every year because it helps so many. My father was a kind and generous man who loved to help others. I miss you every day and you’re always in my heart.” Karen Carpenter: $50
“In remembrance of my beloved husband, Bill Carpenter, and loved one, both family and friends, no longer with us.” Mary Ann Carpenter: $100
“In loving memory of my dad, Bill Carpenter. I am so grateful and blessed to have had your guidance and love. Always in my heart and deeply missed.” Marilyn Reeder: $100
Previous total: $20,976
Today’s total: $900
Total to date: $21,876
Please make checks out to Salvation Army Southern California Division and send them to Bellringer, c/o Ventura County Star, 771 E. Daily Drive, Suite 300, Camarillo, CA 93010, or pay with a credit card through this link to the Salvation Army: http://vcstar.com/bellringer2018