It takes so little to help so many...

[theHandpuppet]

If you look hard enough (beneath the MSM blather) you'll find and read the stories from all around the country -- food pantries in crisis, charitable donations down, homeless shelters being closed. Isn't this supposed to be the season of giving and not just buying? Hey America, who cares if you're wished a "Happy Holidays" or a "Merry Christmas" when there are children all across this land who will spend the holiday without heat, a decent meal, or even a home.

The community here at DU is one of the few places I can come and regularly be reminded that there are millions in need in this nation. I'm ashamed to say I haven't done nearly enough in this regard. But my partner and I won't be doing the presents thing at all this year. We've been cutting back a bit each year and this holiday there will be no gifts except to those for whom even a small amount can mean so much. This Christmas it is the Henry and William Evans Home for Children in Winchester, Virginia.

This morning I was reading the online edition of my homeown newspaper (I no longer live nearby) and on the front page was the article below. Portsmouth, Ohio is another of those economically depressed areas of Appalachian Ohio where 1 in 4 children lives below the poverty line. Only $3,000 could make a difference for 60 families, including food cards they could use for groceries. I'm sure there are stories such as this all over America, perhaps in your own towns, but making this personal is just my way of trying to reach out.

And if I haven't said it before, many thanks to all you DUers who care, who give, who volunteer. Bless you.

http://www.portsmouth-dailytimes.com/articles/2007/12/17/news/local_news/1news_charities.txt

Charitable programs underfunded
Public still encouraged to donate to organizations

BY RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY
PDT Staff Writer
Sunday, December 16, 2007 10:45 PM EST

Each holiday season, charitable organizations such as Portsmouth Area Jaycees and the Scioto County Homeless Shelter provide gifts and food to needy individuals all across the area. This year, however, those same charitable organizations are underfunded, and may be forced to turn away many families and children.

“This is the first time ever that we've had to turn people away. Because due to the number of people that have signed up this year ... the numbers were so large that we're still about $3,000 short of helping everyone that's on our list,” said Leroy Hackworth of Jaycees.

He added that $3,000 could make the difference by helping 60 families and children....


"This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased." Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

[sinkingfeeling]

1. I have a confession to make. In years past, I gave 'big' (at least for my income it was) to

local charities. The food bank, the Salvation Army's 'Angel' program, coat drives, the senior citizens drive, called 'hearts of gold', etc. Then in my bitterness over my state and county voting again for Bush, I swore that all my charity would go globally instead of locally. I started monthly donations to FINCA, Doctors without Borders, UNICEF, CARE, the International Children's' Fund, etc.

This year, I just feel so guilty reading about the needs locally that I'm writing a large check to the food bank. But, I'm depressed that the need is so very great and there's so little of my money left to give to all these deserving causes.

P.S. I substituted 'giving' to a charity for present exchanges with the family about 6 years ago. This year everybody 'gave' a llama through Heifer International.

[theHandpuppet]

2. Don't feel guilty -- your story reflects our own

I guess we're all angry and with good reason. In years past my partner and I have done exactly what you did. We will continue to give globally but it really angers me that there are so few MSM reports about the growing need right here at home. The evil of the Bushreich is certainly not the fault of our own poor so why take it out on them? I was doing the same thing out of sheer frustration. Perhaps it's fear -- when the world becomes frightening and we feel events are totally out of our control it's easy to vent at those who are the most victimized within our own society. Ironic but true. I just need to remind myself that it's part of a class war well-fertilized by the hate that is the Bush regime.