The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor;
A Christmas Message
During economic downturns, you hear some disturbing stories.
Everyone has heard about some people pulling up to a Public Aid office in a new Cadillac, asking for government assistance.
Once in awhile people will seek food from every food pantry in the area, as often as possible, and it never seems to end.
Rarely, someone will accept food from a food pantry and then throw it into a dumpster!
There have always been some who use and abuse the system and there will probably always be some like that.
On the other hand, you have many people with too much pride to accept welfare, who really need assistance.
At this holiday season, it is sometimes difficult to decide who really needs clothing, food baskets, toys etc.
If you have worked at a food pantry recently you know there are a lot of people really hurting at the present time.
Recently there was a mother and son who were apparently running away from a dangerous situation and had no place to stay or anything to eat.
A young woman, who was a senior in college, became pregnant and consequently lost financial assistance from her family.
Some teenagers have been kicked out of their home and have slept in their car on rather frigid nights. you hear about senior citizens who have to decide between food and medicine and there are some in Macomb that fit in that category.
One of the best programs in the Macomb area, for those seeking to help themselves is the SHARE food program, sponsored by the Salvation Army.
For $17 and at least 2 hours of public service (visiting the sick, volunteering etc.) you get approximately 30 lbs. of fresh fruits, veggies and meat each month (and you can buy extra).
As you know, there are many worthwhile organizations who are seeking contributions this time of year (they all call us because my wife hates to turn anyone down).
The service organizations (Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Police, Firemen etc.) have very worthy projects.
The question is what other groups will help the most people in a fair manner.
You can always be sure of the Salvation Army (and the Red Cross, plus Habitat for Humanity, Loaves and Fishes food pantry and don't forget the church of your preference).
Borrowing a similar line from JFK, we should not be concerned about gifts others may give to us, but rather what gifts we can give to others.
Remember, the most important gift is that which God has given us - His son.
The most important gifts that we can give to Him are in living the types of lives He would have us live.
Weyman George
Macomb