The Right Thing.

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by Iowanian

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".

Iowanian You are a great American!!!

[4th and Long]

I brought the nurses a few dozen Lamar's donuts for breakfast this morning. Good deed of the day accomplished again.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by ENDelt260

Has Mer stopped in here yet to let you guys know about Let's Bring 'Em Home?

They raise money to buy plane tickets to get servicemen home for Christmas.

$#it like this pisses me off to no end.

There is absolutely no ****ing excuse why this site HAS to exist.

Our soldiers should not have to raise money to come home. If they do, those of us here in the states are not doing OUR duty...

[Katipan]

Originally Posted by Rausch

$#it like this pisses me off to no end.

There is absolutely no ****ing excuse why this site HAS to exist.

Our soldiers should not have to raise money to come home. If they do, those of us here in the states are not doing OUR duty...

<3 <3 <3 <3

Special kiss for you Delt.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Mer

<3 <3 <3 <3

?

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by ENDelt260

That charity is those of us in the states raising money, Brad.

Understood.

My anger is in the fact that there has to be one. The least we (or our government) could do is fly these guys and gals home. Seriously...

[Over-Head]

There's a family here on the island that each year I take a turkey I get from one of the contractors or home owners I deal with or do work for, along with a 10lb bag of spud’s, carrots etc (everything for x-mass dinner) along with a 12 pack of beer and drop it off to them Christmass eve morning.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by ENDelt260

Yeah, I get it now. I was confused last night because I was drunk.

But, you gotta think... how much would it cost-

Don't care.

We're talking about people 10 years younger than me who will fight and/or die to protect my right to be an asshole.

1/2 the country is going to disagree with anything they do.

At best, these guys and gals get spit on.

Worst, they lose a limb or die.

And our government can't ****ing afford to fly them back for Christmas?...

[Iowanian]

I don't intend to let this topic get stale yet.

I've made some local phone calls. What I'm finding, is if you call the counselor of a local elementary school, they have a mental list, off the top of their head(not that they'll share or that I ask) of kids in need, who are slipping through the cracks....not completely on the system, but in need.

This time of year in the midwest, I'm told there is a big need for shoes, boots and coats, but mostly....snow pants.

You can buy a gift card from your local chain store, and the counselor can take the children and their parents to the store and fit them for the needed items, and take the remaining funds on the card back to the school for use with another kid(s).

[plbrdude]

thought i'd share this. past couple of years the county has had a toy fund which collects donations for area families. families that applied received a $25 voucher for dollar general, who also knocks an additional 30% off prices. and a $25 food voucher at the local grocery. nice thing about it is people can pick, or let their kids pick out the toys at the dollar general. and pick the items themselves for a holiday meal.