To the editor:

After being a resident of Bainbridge Island for nearly three decades I have had many opportunities to witness the community spirit and generosity of its residents.

On Saturday morning, Dec. 17 I had an opportunity to experience this in a personal way. As a volunteer Salvation Army bell ringer I was astonished and thrilled to find that someone put a $10,000 check into the red kettle. I don’t know who you are but I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I feel confident that your gift will be put to good use and that it will bless the lives of those it touches.

To you and all the other wonderfully generous donors I thank you for making my experience such a joyful one. I wish you all God’s blessings in the new year.

ARNI BLOMQUIST

Bainbridge Island