A Worcester-based Christian contracting company hosted its first charity benefit Christmas party at the Salvation Army on Dec. 4, raising more than $2,ooo to go toward sending needy children to the Salvation Army's summer camp in Sharon.

According to a written release from Capstone, a total of $9,000 is needed to send 36 needy children to Camp Wonderland.

At the Dec. 4 event, 20 children and 40 adults took part in a buffet luncheon catered by Manuel Campoverdi of Webster, the statement said. Children made Christmas ornaments and decorated sugar cookies and Santa Claus distributed Christmas gifts donated by the Capstone staff and owners, it said.

"In years past, when we were going through some hard times, we were blessed with friends and family who stood by us," Charbel and Christine Najem, owners of Capstone General Contracting, Inc., said in the written statement. "And now it is our turn to help others in their hard times."

The Najems matched donations made to The Salvation Army that day and, along with former Capstone employees and longtime Salvation supporters George and Leslye Coles, are continuing with a fundraising campaign to raise the rest of the money. 

Anyone interested in donating can contact Capstone General Contracting, Inc. by calling 508-799-4463 or e-mailing Christine@gccapstone.com or George@gccapstone.com