Giving: A little can go a long ways

opinions

December 1, 2016 - 12:00 AM

Wednesday’s A Look Back in Time on the opinion page recalled an American Red Cross drive in 1956 that asked Allen Countians to donate $405 to help the organization distribute food, medicine and clothing to destitute Hungarians. The national goal was $5 million — a dollar went much further then.
Years earlier when charities came calling, requests were more forceful in Iola, almost to the point of strong-arming.
Campaigning for charities in Iola was to the point. Iola merchants who didn’t donate arrived at work some mornings to find messages painted on their front windows, accusing them of being cheapskates, uncaring, and urging shoppers to take notice  of their parsimony.
Fortunately, in today’s environment we have folks who are willing to share, both financially through a multitude of good-intentioned organizations, and with gifts of food and physical labor, as well as toys for children.
During Thanksgiving week meals were provided at several places, with free-will offerings encouraged but not required.
With the Christmas season fast approaching any number of local groups are poised to make the Christian holiday brighter for the less fortunate. How can you not respond at this time of the year?
Toys of all descriptions will be handed out at Tracy Keagle’s Santa’s Toy Shop to kids who otherwise might go short. Food baskets are being prepared for families whose financial circumstances don’t permit anything near a full-blown holiday feast.
If you haven’t participated, personally or with a financial gift, seriously think about doing so.
Giving the lion’s share of the time is more rewarding than receiving, and it will mean much to the person whose life you touch.

— Bob Johnson

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