Family turns grief into giving

The family and friends of the late Mark Smoke decided to share his Christmas spirit with another family this holiday season. The Christmas and winter season was Mark’s favorite time of year and his widow, Becky, decided to share his spirit and generosity in his memory.

A Christmas tree with all the trimmings as well as gifts for a family was given out at the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department’s Station #1 on the evening of Dec. 13, 2010. Mark was a member of the HAVFD and Becky and her family remain active in the organization.

When Becky presented the tree and presents to the family chosen to receive the gifts she said she shared a wonderful moment of joy and excitement with Jennine, Ken, Adam, Joey, and Takeh. “The looks on the children’s faces were enough to brighten up my season!” she said. “We wish for everyone in the community to enjoy a safe and happy holiday!”

The Smoke Family – Becky and her children Kristian, Nathan and Aleesha, along with Riley Mitchell, helped to get the gifts and tree trimmings together.

“I would like to send a special thanks to my friends who helped me purchase gifts,” she said. “Thank you Ernie Cree, Mikayla Thompson, and Stuart Peters. Without your help this would not have been possible.”