In Our Opinion
This past Thanksgiving left many of us more grateful than, perhaps, at other times.
Besides the usual things for which we give thanks — family, health and food on the table among other things — a large number of us offered a heartfelt toast of gratitude to the hundreds of utility linemen who gave us our lights and heat back after the devastating Nov. 17 windstorm.
But from now through Christmas, this is also the time of the year where we try to focus on the needs of others, those in our communities who might not be as fortunate as many of the rest of us.
We lose sight of how many people are in need in our area. Information collected from city-data.com shows large numbers of people — over 1,000 who are nonstudents in Cheney — struggle to get by with incomes between $10,000 – $30,000 per year.
While numbers vary across the West Plains those served by various outreach programs are likely larger than any of us imagine.
On the surface, need can be hard to pinpoint because few want to be tagged with the “poor” label. One might be surprised that significant need could very well exist right next door.
Those who struggle financially must decide: Do I take my medicine, buy food or pay rent, heat or lights — often in homes that might be less energy efficient in the first place. Among all the charities, there are organizations that can help with both rent and utilities.
We want to use this space with the message to make sure our readers keep doing the things they have done for years and keep these many needs in mind.
Recently one of our staff members had the opportunity to hear about the efforts of a pair of area charities, Christ Kitchen and Christ Clinic, who aid those in need.
The main point made in the presentation was there are those who can volunteer time and those who choose to volunteer their checkbook. A gift of money is great but sometimes there are just not enough hands and feet to put that cash to work.
Be it time or money, either can easily be put to use by any number of efforts to assist during the holidays where the need — which of course is year-round — is amplified in our conscience in a time of giving.
Each year the Cheney High cross country team stages their Turkey Trot fun run that helps locally with food and monetary donations. This year the Cheney Storm soccer team donated $1,500 to KREM television’s Tom Sherry for his Turkey Drive. Both set great examples for getting into the habit early.
There is no amount too small as a bunch of little bits helps a lot. A $20 bill really can go a long way in the right hands, as evidenced by the U.S. Marines who have orchestrated the Toys for Tots campaign for many years.
Giving can be as simple as skipping a lunch out or a coffee stand stop on the way to work. You can make up for it later. And you too can make your donation dollars go further by watching for the same sales you do for your own family.
If you’ve had a good year, spread that cheer by giving a little more and doing so more often.
MORE INFO
Several local charities on the West Plains are in need of donations and volunteers. For more information, contact the following organizations.
Cheney Outreach
(509) 235-8900
Medical Lake Community Outreach
(509) 299-3819
Feed Medical Lake
(509) 714-1150
Feed Cheney
(509) 498-9250
Christ Clinic
(509) 325-0393
Christ Kitchen
(509) 325-4343
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