VIENNA - Thousands of dollars in supplies and funds were collected Dec. 7 for five local charitable organizations through the efforts of the PM Co. and its associates.

"The Spirit of Giving Night" was a concept created four years ago by The PM Co. owner Pat Minnite Sr. as he and his office staff discussed ways to donate and give back to the community throughout the Christmas holiday season.

"PM Co. believes that as a business leader in the Mid-Ohio Valley we have a responsibility to join efforts with our 160 tenants, 50 vendors and numerous business associates to promote the spirit of giving and help the many people in need in our area," said Karmyn Minnite Conley, who has helped conduct the program in the last four years with her father and two siblings.

Since its beginning, the Spirit of Giving Night has evolved into an event where the PM Co. encourages and challenges its tenants, vendors and business associates to join in a unified effort to raise money and collect needed items to be donated to selected local charities, Conley said.

"This year PM Co. will give over $7,500 and collect a projected $6,000 from individuals and businesses that are inspired to come together in this effort to create an energy of spirit and giving for people in need," she said.

The program's recipients change each year.