Calcutta Area Garden Club member Virginia Jackson proudly displays the Christmas tree for which she helped raise $14,059 and will be lit for the East Liverpool Christmas parade Saturday. (Submitted photo)

EAST LIVERPOOL — Calcutta Area Garden Club member Virginia Jackson, 92, pounded the pavement in East Liverpool and the surrounding areas to collect $14,059 from generous area business owners and citizens. The money was collected to purchase a 22-foot Christmas tree that will be lit for the parade on Saturday.

Jackson was chosen to be the grand marshal of the parade this year.

When finding out that the star was not included in the tree purchase, Jackson was discussing her disappointment with many of her friends when just days later , she received a Christmas card in the mail that read:

“Ginny, I hope this $500 can help you with your Christmas star.

Love , Your Friend,

Betty Murray.”