Tom Coakley on right is seen presenting a check for $2,000 to David Howell on left.

Customers, employees and family at Coakley Carpet One Ace Hardware in Canton raised $2,000 in donations for the family of Aaron Howell of Parishville, who is recovering at Walter Reed Armed Forces Medical Center in Washington, DC.

Aaron, a Marine corporal, is recovering from major combat wounds, including the loss of both legs. Both Coakley Ace Hardware and Evans and White Ace Hardware (in Potsdam) have been raising funds for the family to help defray transportation and other costs incurred by Aaron and his family.

Tom Coakley, representing the family business, presented a check to David Howell, Aaron’s father who is employed at Evans and White Ace Hardware. Tom and his wife Nellie share the Walter Reed experience with Aaron, where Tom recovered from the loss of his left leg from wounds received in Vietnam, and Nellie served as the head nurse of the Enlisted Amputee Ward after serving her own tour of duty in Vietnam. Today Tom works with various amputee organizations and Nellie continues to serve veterans as a war trauma counselor.

Donations for the continued assistance of the Howell family can be sent to the Norfolk Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 506, Norfolk, NY 13667.

Raffle winner from the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Really Big Show, 2nd Annual Home, Garden and Business Show. Winner on left is Lori Deleel who is being presented with her $200 Coakley Gift Card by our Kitchen and Bath Designer Jeannie Fisher. The Show was April 9th and 10th, 2010.