|
|
|
|
Those in Need Should be Our Focus this Holiday
Washington
-
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Most Delawareans will spend
more time at their places of worship, bundle up with family for Holiday
parades, purchase presents for their loved ones and plan holiday
parties to visit with friends and family. The holidays remind us to
focus on the ones we love and show our appreciation for what we are
thankful. It is also the time in which many of us are reminded of how
easy it can be to ease the burden of others.
With foreclosure rates on the rise and financial challenges confronting
communities across the state, charitable giving is lower than it has
been in years. Charitable organizations are struggling in Delaware to
meet the needs of the most vulnerable families in our community.
My office commonly partners to assist the Food Bank of Delaware to
raise awareness about hunger in our state and we continue to lead
efforts to help supply food to their organization in times of need.
There is so much that each of us can do to lend a hand to those who
are less fortunate this holiday season and make a difference in
someone's life. It only takes a small amount of time and some
creativity to make a difference. For instance, anyone can initiate a
food drive in your office, family, place of worship or simply at a
community center - even if it's after the holidays, it's never too late
to help those less fortunate.
Aside from food drives, the other ways to help those in need are
endless. To give a few examples, many, including myself and my staff,
ring the bells for Salvation Army. To learn more, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
You could also make your used items someone else’s treasure this year
by donating the clothes, furniture and toys that your family no longer
uses to your local Good Will store: www.goodwill.org. Another
popular program is the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, which
collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each
year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in
the community in which the campaign is conducted. Look for a toy drop
off locations here: http://www.toysfortots.org. And
finally, in recent years, support has been lagging for our troops and
many of our service men and women are away from the ones that they love
this holiday. Something as simple as a thank you note could truly
brighten their day. Try Soldier’s Angels, it’s a website that allows
you to “adopt a soldier”, send message, care packages and more. To
learn more visit www.soldiersangels.org.
We are a small, but powerful state that can do a lot if we work
together. I hope that you are able to find a way to help those less
fortunate during this season and I wish you and your family a safe and
holiday!
|
Print version of this document
|
