|
Ten bucks to the food bank --
what a difference that will make
By Craig Morris
December 12, 2008 | I've never been one for taking
handouts from people. I take pride in being completely
self-reliant, always working hard and providing for
my family. I make sacrifices in some areas in my life
that aren't completely necessary to ensure that I am
always able to provide all necessities for my family
-- to make sure there is always food on the table.
I think most people in the country feel the same way
as I do, and many are able to accomplish those goals
the same as me, they don't go without, and they don't
send their children to bed hungry. Unfortunately, there
are still countless people that despite how hard they
work and how much they want it, are unable to provide
the necessities for themselves and their families.
Because so many families are being burdened with the
hardships of the suffering economy, record numbers of
people are turning to food banks.
Another terrible truth of these times is that food
banks have lower amounts of food being donated than
ever before. Some food banks are running out of food
all together.
I would like to think that if I was ever in the situation
that despite all my efforts I was not able to buy food,
I could rely on the compassion of others and get some
food at a food bank. It is terrible that some people
are still living comfortably, even luxuriously, while
others are unable to even get food at the food bank.
During this season of giving, the country as a whole
needs to be more giving towards their local food bank.
Every Christmas my parents and my aunt and uncle exchange
gifts with each other. They try to stay around $40 each
for their gifts. The other day my mom was asking me
for ideas for things she could get for my aunt and uncle.
She claimed she had absolutely no idea what she could
buy. The idea I gave her was that after talking to my
aunt, they should use their money they normally spend
on each other and donate to the local food bank. Since
neither family has any great needs, I thought this idea
would bring them greater joy and truly get them in the
Christmas spirit.
I admit I need to take my own advice and find a way
to help those around me and donate more. I would like
to teach my children that Christmas is a time for giving
to others. I would like to make donating to the food
bank and other charities an ongoing family tradition.
If everyone in the country could find it in themselves
to donate $10 worth of food -- or whatever they could
afford -- what a huge difference that would make to
those who are counting on that food for their Christmas
meal. This may mean a small sacrifice for some, but
isn't it worth giving up one stocking-stuffer to be
able to give something back?
NW
MS |
