Gifts with a conscience
This past year has not been a
financially lucrative time for the people of Galesburg and surrounding
communities with the final closing of Maytag, Butler and other industries
offering decent paying jobs. Many are now drawing the last of their unemployment
and still have no prospects of a good job. The holiday season only adds to
feelings of low self esteem and the stress unemployment.
I was shocked and ashamed to hear Jimmy
Carter, interviewed on the PBS program NOW talk about yes we are one of the
wealthiest countries on the face of the planet but also one of the stingiest.
Americans give on the average 16 cents per hundred dollars to world wide
charitable organizations that feed the poor and hungry while other countries
average 44 cents per hundred dollars leaving us the last on the list of those
who give.
This holiday season if you and your
family have your health, a roof over your head, food- the basics why not count
your blessings and share some of your wealth with less fortunate friends, neighbors,
fellow Americans, fellow travelers or the animals with which we share this
wonderful planet.
Safe Harbor is collecting foods and
unused toys for those less fortunate. They are located at 1188 W Main here in
Galesburg. The Bondi Building is collecting for them as well; items can be left
at the Bondi office 311 E Main, Suite 208.
United Way can be found on the second
floor of the Bondi Building as well. They collect new toys and donations of
money.
Why not drop some coins or dollars into
the Salvation Army Pot. They give world wide to many causes throughout the
year.
Access the Sierra Club on the internet
(sierraclub.org) and you give the gift that gives twice. Known for its valiant
fights to save the environment and animals a gift of $25 will send their
beautiful award winning photographic nature magazine to someone on your list
and give money to the cause.
The Prairie Land Animal Welfare Center
(formerly the Knox County Humane Society) is over run with abandoned animals
this time of year and in need of monetary donations. Monies go to spay and
neuter programs that reduce unwanted animal populations.
Your gift to The American Red Cross will be felt worldwide
and year round. They respond to all disasters with resources of food, water and
volunteers.
Many of our area wide and local
churches do food drives for local populations and worldwide. IÕm sure a check
with explanation for those monies would be well received.
Your donations to Saint JudeÕs Hospital
will make care available to children that could not otherwise afford very
expensive treatment. Access them on the internet.
These are only a few of the most
outstanding charities available to you. You may have your own favorite charity.
ItÕs not as important that you give to any specific charity but that you give
something. LetÕs not continue to
go down in the history books as land of the free, the brave and the stingy.
Till next time, Rebecca