The Right Thing.

**Iowanian** · 12-07-2005, 10:18 AM

Its occured to me, that often this time of year, we, as individuals and families are wrapped up in things like football games, playoff hopes, hanging plastic on our windows, Christmas shopping and any plethora of Things in our daily grind. Most of them, are of little significance in the big picture.

I'm not exactly sure why I'm compelled to make this post, but I am.

This winter, as the temperature drops below zero outside my home, and as I celebrate a win over the hated Donkeys, some dose of reality is sinking in that needs to be said.

This Christmas season, there are alot of things we can do, as individuals just because they are "the right thing" to do.

This year I encourage those of you who can to find someone they can help. There are alot of kids without proper coats, shoes and clothes in poor condition. I wish I could direct you to specific places, but can't right now. If you have the time, the finances and the same kick in the craw that I do, please contact your local school, or a charity program, or a food bank, and see what you can do to help get a kid in a proper pair of shoes, a warm enough coat, and maybe some toys for Christmas.
I know that many churches, school nurses/administrators, as well as local govt programs will be able to give lists "boy, age 12, size 9 shoe, likes football" type lists.

For those without the financial availability to help someone in that capacity....there are Still alot of things you can do. Scoop the snow off the walk for that old widow across the street, take the son of a deployed, wounded or KIA soldier to the Y to play some ball...do something.

Another option, I'm going to quote from the Michael Yon website, because I think its very true, and something you, and your children can do for less than $.50. Write a letter, have your kid draw a picture...whatever. I know, that during the holidays, many of our deployed men and women are having a tough time.

"More than 150,000 troops are at war in Iraq, Afghanistan and stationed other places by land and sea. It's time to remember them, and at least send a letter. Care packages are great, but simple letters can be powerful. The Department of Defense has sorted through endless websites and charities, and does an excellent job organizing links to sites that allow people to help the troops. With a single click, people can donate books to troops, or computers, or frequent flier miles, or they can help wounded veterans or grieving families, or Iraqi children. There are so many options. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/ "

As an individual, we can all make someone's holiday brighter with very little effort. As a Group of Chief fans, think of the combined good we can do, but each doing one small gesture, that is "the right thing".

**Bob Dole** · 12-07-2005, 10:22 AM

Who hacked Iowanian's account?

**Iowanian** · 12-07-2005, 10:22 AM

Guilt.

ct · 12-07-2005, 10:23 AM

**Mr. Kotter** · 12-07-2005, 10:23 AM

Nice. Bravo.

Is this kinder and gentler Iowanian gonna last long?

Heh..."Incoming!!!"

NewChief · 12-07-2005, 10:32 AM

Excellent.

kregger · 12-07-2005, 10:34 AM

Nice.

Alton deFlat · 12-07-2005, 10:35 AM

Well said!! It's easy to get wrapped up in things that seem important, at the time (i.e. football, shopping). There is so much more however. With the weather getting colder, there was a story on our local news last night about homeless shelters, and the fact that there are more places for women to take shelter, than places for men. I don't mean for anyone to "take in" these less fotunate people, but if you can afford it, donate to these shelters. A warm meal and a soft bed, which we take for granted, are hard to come by for some. Let's not forget to drop a little spare change in the "bell ringers" pot also.

Sully · 12-07-2005, 10:35 AM

Happy Holidays.

KCTitus · 12-07-2005, 10:42 AM

I think this deserves a 'sticky'...

**ChiTown** · 12-07-2005, 10:44 AM

My wife and I sat this weekend to go over the X-Mas list of who "needs" what. We got half way through this thing and we just shook our heads. Theoretically, we'd spent a bunch of money on people that are going to love us whether they get a gift from us or not. Most of all, they really didn't "need" any of the crap we were going to be buying for them. In the mean time, my kids (7 & 4) are no closer to knowing what X-Mas should really be about.

We decided that we're going to focus on "giving" our time and money to folks that can really use the help and the cash. I can assure you that I feel infinitely better after I have helped someone with my time or money, vs. watching that gratuitous smile or thank you of a family member that just got another gift certificate to Captain D's. So, my youngest son and I are fixing up his old bike and will be donating that to a X-Mas fund for orphans. My oldest son and his Mother are going through old toys this week and will be fixing them up and dusting them off so we can take them to our Church for families that don't have the cash to buy gifts for their kids. We're also planning to spend some time preparing X-Mas meals for the homeless and having our kids with us to help hand them out.

I want my kids to understand how lucky they really are. I also want them to understand that X-Mas is as much about giving as it is receiving. Thanks for posting this, Roy. It really enforces how we're planning to utilize the Holiday's.

Cheers!

**Mr. Kotter** · 12-07-2005, 10:50 AM

FWIW, I agree this deserves a "sticky"....

joesomebody · 12-07-2005, 10:51 AM

Great post Iowanian... I always try to find one of those salvation army christmas trees that you take an ornament from and shop for the child listed on the ornament.

Also, the US Marines do a great job with Toys for Tots and take it very seriously, so that is definitly a charity that is reliable and will be carried out as intended.

jiveturkey · 12-07-2005, 10:55 AM

Great post with great timing.

**Iowanian** · 12-07-2005, 11:03 AM

I'm not really sure what "hit me"...but it did. I've been thinking about this stuff all weekend. Matter of fact, in my weakened state, I won a wager on donkeymange where a poster had to leave until Feb, and showed mercy.

Maybe its just this weekend, as I spent so many hours walking around in near zero temps, and had 3 pairs of boots to choose from, or last night sitting in the comfort of my home with the new furnace installed yesterday, or the emails I've gotten from iraq that shake my shit into reality of whats important...I don't know.

I don't know alot of things, but I know when I help someone out who needs it, or appreciates it, it feels good. I've been that kid with the duct taped shoe, when my dad worked 3 jobs to keep our farm floating, and know how hard he had to work to get anything under that tree. I remember the hard work to get to where we all are today, and its only right to share some of it. I've read the letters and emails from soldiers, stuck sludging through raw sewage for hours upon hours while I was stuffing my gullet with Pie.

I don't like talking about "my" charity stuff because it feels like I'm bragging or wanting a pat, which isn't the case.

I just know, there are kids at school today, embarrassed by the same shoes that froze their feet when they walked there. I know there are kids in every town without a coat that fits, or that is clean or new enough to let them hold their head up enough to look other kids in the eye. I know there are local food banks that are suffering because they're overshadowed by the Katrina et al relief efforts.

I know that if I can find 1 family through a church or school, or pull that tag off the "gift tree" at a local store, and spend less money than I'd spend on parking, food and beer at 1 Chiefs game....it'll make their day.....week.

Those who can't financially do anything, can still do something. It doesn't take much to write a letter to a soldier from your town/church/city/son of a coworker.....or have yoru kid draw them a snowman. It doesn't take much to spend an extra 20 minutes digging out someone who can't.

I do know this....its worth it. Last week, as i went to a local store to buy some slugs for the hunt I was getting ready to do, A 6'4 guy I didn't recognize called my name. I looked at him, and he said "you don't know me do you? I'm ___ -______, and you were my "big brother" through the Y a few years ago. Thanks for that"

Damn he grew and changed..both physically, and as a person. Good young man.

Little things. Playing catch with that kid once a week just might have been the thing that keeps him from turning into his father. Maybe a pair of shoes, coat and a board game can help do the same for another.?

12-07-2005, 10:18 AM
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1668454	The Right Thing. Its occured to me, that often this time of year, we, as individuals and families are wrapped up in things like football games, playoff hopes, hanging plastic on our windows, Christmas shopping and any plethora of Things in our daily grind. Most of them, are of little significance in the big picture. I'm not exactly sure why I'm compelled to make this post, but I am. This winter, as the temperature drops below zero outside my home, and as I celebrate a win over the hated Donkeys, some dose of reality is sinking in that needs to be said. This Christmas season, there are alot of things we can do, as individuals just because they are "the right thing" to do. This year I encourage those of you who can to find someone they can help. There are alot of kids without proper coats, shoes and clothes in poor condition. I wish I could direct you to specific places, but can't right now. If you have the time, the finances and the same kick in the craw that I do, please contact your local school, or a charity program, or a food bank, and see what you can do to help get a kid in a proper pair of shoes, a warm enough coat, and maybe some toys for Christmas. I know that many churches, school nurses/administrators, as well as local govt programs will be able to give lists "boy, age 12, size 9 shoe, likes football" type lists. For those without the financial availability to help someone in that capacity....there are Still alot of things you can do. Scoop the snow off the walk for that old widow across the street, take the son of a deployed, wounded or KIA soldier to the Y to play some ball...do something. Another option, I'm going to quote from the Michael Yon website, because I think its very true, and something you, and your children can do for less than $.50. Write a letter, have your kid draw a picture...whatever. I know, that during the holidays, many of our deployed men and women are having a tough time. "More than 150,000 troops are at war in Iraq, Afghanistan and stationed other places by land and sea. It's time to remember them, and at least send a letter. Care packages are great, but simple letters can be powerful. The Department of Defense has sorted through endless websites and charities, and does an excellent job organizing links to sites that allow people to help the troops. With a single click, people can donate books to troops, or computers, or frequent flier miles, or they can help wounded veterans or grieving families, or Iraqi children. There are so many options. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/ " As an individual, we can all make someone's holiday brighter with very little effort. As a Group of Chief fans, think of the combined good we can do, but each doing one small gesture, that is "the right thing".
Posts: 62,945

12-07-2005, 10:22 AM	#2
Bob Dole King Shit of **** Mountain Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texarkana, Texas Casino cash: $-1344563	Who hacked Iowanian's account?
Posts: 51,607

12-07-2005, 10:22 AM	#3
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1668454	Guilt.
Posts: 62,945

12-07-2005, 10:23 AM	#4
ct u b illian Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: DooDah Casino cash: $10009436
Posts: 7,287

12-07-2005, 10:23 AM	#5
Mr. Kotter The Dude Abides Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Dakota Country Casino cash: $3234285	Nice. Bravo. Is this kinder and gentler Iowanian gonna last long? Heh..."Incoming!!!" __________________ "I've always said I worry about legacy and winning rings more than making money at this moment...We see what's going on around the league, but at the same time, I'll never do anything that's going to hurt us from keeping the great players around me.”
Posts: 46,942

12-07-2005, 10:32 AM	#6
NewChief In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fayetteville, AR Casino cash: $7140204	Excellent. __________________ In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. - H. L. Mencken
Posts: 21,845

12-07-2005, 10:34 AM	#7
kregger thick as a brick Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: alpha centauri Casino cash: $10004925	Nice.
Posts: 964

12-07-2005, 10:35 AM	#8
Alton deFlat The Sicilian Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Joplin, Missouri Casino cash: $10004900	Well said!! It's easy to get wrapped up in things that seem important, at the time (i.e. football, shopping). There is so much more however. With the weather getting colder, there was a story on our local news last night about homeless shelters, and the fact that there are more places for women to take shelter, than places for men. I don't mean for anyone to "take in" these less fotunate people, but if you can afford it, donate to these shelters. A warm meal and a soft bed, which we take for granted, are hard to come by for some. Let's not forget to drop a little spare change in the "bell ringers" pot also.
Posts: 2,843

12-07-2005, 10:35 AM	#9
Sully It Goes On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lees Summit Casino cash: $10026331	Happy Holidays. __________________ "And I don't wish that girl any bad luck," he said, "but I hope she gets hit with a car." - Tommy Lasorda
Posts: 18,295

12-07-2005, 10:42 AM	#10
KCTitus Archivist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: The Ethernet Casino cash: $9882732	I think this deserves a 'sticky'... __________________ Anything you post on this BB can and will be used against you...
Posts: 26,199

12-07-2005, 10:44 AM	#11
ChiTown Stroking to the SB Champs! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Flatlands of Kansas Casino cash: $-541038	Very timely My wife and I sat this weekend to go over the X-Mas list of who "needs" what. We got half way through this thing and we just shook our heads. Theoretically, we'd spent a bunch of money on people that are going to love us whether they get a gift from us or not. Most of all, they really didn't "need" any of the crap we were going to be buying for them. In the mean time, my kids (7 & 4) are no closer to knowing what X-Mas should really be about. We decided that we're going to focus on "giving" our time and money to folks that can really use the help and the cash. I can assure you that I feel infinitely better after I have helped someone with my time or money, vs. watching that gratuitous smile or thank you of a family member that just got another gift certificate to Captain D's. So, my youngest son and I are fixing up his old bike and will be donating that to a X-Mas fund for orphans. My oldest son and his Mother are going through old toys this week and will be fixing them up and dusting them off so we can take them to our Church for families that don't have the cash to buy gifts for their kids. We're also planning to spend some time preparing X-Mas meals for the homeless and having our kids with us to help hand them out. I want my kids to understand how lucky they really are. I also want them to understand that X-Mas is as much about giving as it is receiving. Thanks for posting this, Roy. It really enforces how we're planning to utilize the Holiday's. Cheers! __________________
Posts: 40,928

12-07-2005, 10:50 AM	#12
Mr. Kotter The Dude Abides Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Dakota Country Casino cash: $3234285	FWIW, I agree this deserves a "sticky".... __________________ "I've always said I worry about legacy and winning rings more than making money at this moment...We see what's going on around the league, but at the same time, I'll never do anything that's going to hurt us from keeping the great players around me.”
Posts: 46,942

12-07-2005, 10:51 AM	#13
joesomebody Waiting to be voted off Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Casino cash: $9994900	Great post Iowanian... I always try to find one of those salvation army christmas trees that you take an ornament from and shop for the child listed on the ornament. Also, the US Marines do a great job with Toys for Tots and take it very seriously, so that is definitly a charity that is reliable and will be carried out as intended.
Posts: 2,584

12-07-2005, 10:55 AM	#14
jiveturkey Captain Kick Ass Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Kansas Casino cash: $9305197	Great post with great timing.
Posts: 5,781

12-07-2005, 11:03 AM	#15
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1668454	I'm not really sure what "hit me"...but it did. I've been thinking about this stuff all weekend. Matter of fact, in my weakened state, I won a wager on donkeymange where a poster had to leave until Feb, and showed mercy. Maybe its just this weekend, as I spent so many hours walking around in near zero temps, and had 3 pairs of boots to choose from, or last night sitting in the comfort of my home with the new furnace installed yesterday, or the emails I've gotten from iraq that shake my shit into reality of whats important...I don't know. I don't know alot of things, but I know when I help someone out who needs it, or appreciates it, it feels good. I've been that kid with the duct taped shoe, when my dad worked 3 jobs to keep our farm floating, and know how hard he had to work to get anything under that tree. I remember the hard work to get to where we all are today, and its only right to share some of it. I've read the letters and emails from soldiers, stuck sludging through raw sewage for hours upon hours while I was stuffing my gullet with Pie. I don't like talking about "my" charity stuff because it feels like I'm bragging or wanting a pat, which isn't the case. I just know, there are kids at school today, embarrassed by the same shoes that froze their feet when they walked there. I know there are kids in every town without a coat that fits, or that is clean or new enough to let them hold their head up enough to look other kids in the eye. I know there are local food banks that are suffering because they're overshadowed by the Katrina et al relief efforts. I know that if I can find 1 family through a church or school, or pull that tag off the "gift tree" at a local store, and spend less money than I'd spend on parking, food and beer at 1 Chiefs game....it'll make their day.....week. Those who can't financially do anything, can still do something. It doesn't take much to write a letter to a soldier from your town/church/city/son of a coworker.....or have yoru kid draw them a snowman. It doesn't take much to spend an extra 20 minutes digging out someone who can't. I do know this....its worth it. Last week, as i went to a local store to buy some slugs for the hunt I was getting ready to do, A 6'4 guy I didn't recognize called my name. I looked at him, and he said "you don't know me do you? I'm ___ -______, and you were my "big brother" through the Y a few years ago. Thanks for that" Damn he grew and changed..both physically, and as a person. Good young man. Little things. Playing catch with that kid once a week just might have been the thing that keeps him from turning into his father. Maybe a pair of shoes, coat and a board game can help do the same for another.?
Posts: 62,945