Normally Jean Schaefer donates directly to Roanoke Area Ministries.

But this year, she wanted to make sure those involved in the organization got the recognition they deserved.

So 84-year-old Schaefer wrote a check to The Roanoke Times' Good Neighbors Fund in honor of two RAM House employees.

Schaefer might be a familiar face to those who visit RAM. She worked at the front desk of the shelter's office, where she learned just how caring shelter manager Tim Williams and administrative assistant Jo-Anne Woody really are.

"It's not just a job to them," she said. "He's [Tim's] caring for the people, he watches out for them, for their protection. Jo-Anne is just a delight; she's another who just truly cares."

Williams greets clients as they come through the door, while Woody takes care of much of the office work, Schaefer said.

Both help the shelter run smoothly.

Schaefer said she has also been impressed with just how small of a percentage of donations made directly to the organization go to the shelter's operating expenses. All of the donations to the Good Neighbors Fund go directly to clients served by the Emergency Assistance Program.

"I know it's a really, really good place," she said. "And the money all goes to the people, where it should go."

Donors through Dec. 28 include:

NTELOS Foundation

Joseph W.H. Mott in memory of Ellen Mary Mott, Charles D. Mott, Ellen Hodge Mott and Charles H. Mott

Steve and Mary Boyer in memory of their parents

The family of Clinton and Eva Custer in memory of Clinton and Eva Custer

Barry and Sandra Woodford in honor of Blackie and Carolyn Noland

C.M. Patterson

Mary S. Belcher in memory of Virginia Mason and Charles A. Saunders and in honor of Karen, Marvin, Selena, Chyna and Zion

A.D. and Betty Waddle in honor of their family, friends and co-workers

Temple Boitnott in memory of son "Chris Hanes"

Jeff Hodges in honor of Matthew and Melanie Hodges

Kevin and Anne Herr in memory of Ray and Melva Herr and in honor of Lois Willis

Elizabeth G. Deisher in memory of Bernard and Josephine Deisher

Liz and Ted Edlich and Eva Intravaia in memory of Paul Lambert, "Papa"

Agnes and John Downie in memory of their daughter, Patricia; their parents; and Monty Swain

Polly B. Moynihan in memory of Jenny Lynch

Mary Martha Circle, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, in honor of their dear friends Faye Boone and Jean Wertz

Barbara and Warner Dalhouse

Hubert and Mary Hobbs in memory of their parents, Gavin and Irene Sublett and Mills and Allie Mae Hobbs

Kirk Burton in memory of Berkley B. "Berky" Cundiff Jr. and in honor of Dr. William S. Erwin Jr.

Brenda S. Mills in memory of her friend, Sue Mills and her brother, Dale St. Clair

Beverly and Jim Bender

Janet C. Whitaker in memory of her dear friend and HVCC golfing buddy, Martha Collyer

Georgette Fry Dew in memory of the Fry family: Houston, Blanch, Junior, Anna Elizabeth, Eddie and Marvin Fry

Cabblers and Wades

Ron and Jodi Ayers in honor of their beautiful grandchildren: Caden, Rhys, Calum and Mary

Mr. and Mrs. L.V. Stanley

Harmonious Hatters, Red Hat Society-Chapter 66316

Priscilla Casey, Geraldine Saunders, Wilma Agoha and Brenda Reeling in memory of Lillie R. Casey

Louise Barksdale in memory of James and Willie E. Bryant

Mary Smith in memory of Sterling Dawson

Gracie Calloway in memory of Barbara Hardy