With the Thanksgiving season upon us we can’t help but think about all of the ways we can help each other. We know that especially this time of year, our fellow members of the community may not have it near as comfortable as we have it for the holiday season. According to the US Census, in 2015 there were 43.1 million people living in poverty in the United States with a large majority of that population being children under the age of 18. With all of the negativity that has recently circled the United States we want to encourage our fellow neighbors and friends to do more, to do better, and to step up.
We believe every child in the United States DESERVES a chance to succeed and be loved. We also believe that sometimes people need second chances (you’ve probably gotten one in your lifetime). Sometimes we have to pick up each other. It reminds me of a story:
A man was walking down the street and he falls into a hole. The walls are so steep he can’t get out. A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up “Hey, you! Can you help me out?” The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along and the guy shouts up “Father, I’m down in this hole can you help me out?” The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by “Hey Joe, it’s me! Can you help me out?” And the friend jumps in the hole. The guy says “Are you stupid? Now we are both down here!” and the friend says “Yeah but I’ve been down here before and I know the way out.”
It’s time to do something, take action. Be the friend in the story. Don’t just sit back and say “gosh, people should help” and do nothing. The Effingham Christmas Store is providing a Christmas experience to those families in Effingham County that are in need. YOU CAN HELP! You can volunteer your time, your talents, or items such as coats, hats, gloves, toys, and non-perishable food items. We all know that there is likely a gently worn coat in your closet that no longer fits you or that is “out of style” that you could donate to a family in need. There is also probably a few extra non-perishable food items you could pick up while at the grocery store that you could donate to the cause. Please take a few moments to check out this video explaning the benefits of the Fish Christmas Store!
Happy THANKSgiving to all!
-Kate and Doug
