The holiday season is nearly upon us, and especially at
Thanksgiving, it seems appropriate to take stock of our many
blessings and find ways to share them with those who aren’t as
fortunate.
Here in San Benito County, we have a tradition of helping others
that we can be proud of. But as the economy continues its long
slide in the wake of the dot-com bust, California’s sea of red ink
and the spiraling federal budget deficit, even our region’s
legendary generosity may not be enough
The holiday season is nearly upon us, and especially at Thanksgiving, it seems appropriate to take stock of our many blessings and find ways to share them with those who aren’t as fortunate.
Here in San Benito County, we have a tradition of helping others that we can be proud of. But as the economy continues its long slide in the wake of the dot-com bust, California’s sea of red ink and the spiraling federal budget deficit, even our region’s legendary generosity may not be enough.
We urge all our readers to take a few moments to take stock of what they have and what they can afford to share. Of course, cash donations are always appreciated and the most flexible – they can be used do to help pay rent or utility bills for families in a pinch, to buy toys for a child who might not otherwise open a holiday gift, or to buy perishable foods like dairy products, fruits and vegetables.
But if you don’t have spare cash, don’t fret, you can still help.
Donations of non-perishable foods are always needed by agencies that serve the homeless and working poor.
And if you don’t have food to spare, you still can give of yourself. volunteers are always needed to help in the shelters that open during the winter, to serve cook and serve holiday meals, and to pack and distribute food and gift boxes for the upcoming holidays.
If you’d like to see how you can best help, here are contact numbers for area agencies that are likely to need your help this holiday season:
– Community Pantry, 637-0340
– Marley Holte’s Community Assistance Program, 637-5888 or 623-4313
– Second Harvest, 722-7110
– Jovenes de Antano, 637-6700
Please, before you find yourself caught up in the swirl of holiday activities, take a few moments to find a way to help others this holiday season. Sit down with your family, take stock of your blessings, and carve out some time to share them with those who aren’t as fortunate as you and your loved ones.
It will add meaning to your holiday season, and your efforts just might be the difference between a rumbling stomach or a holiday meal, an empty stocking or a present or two, another night spent beneath a cold, damp overpass or a warm, dry place to sleep to your San Benito County neighbors.
And no matter what your religious affiliation, is there any better way to celebrate the holidays?
