Published: November 06, 2009 03:13 pm      

Charity knows no boundaries

Steve Boggs, Democrat Publisher

Halloween is history and the holiday season is here.

You’re going to hear a lot about the economy and the holiday shopping season over the next few weeks, as Americans decide for themselves if the recession is really over or not. In spite of the economic rhetoric flowing from places like Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Austin, there’s one thing we’re sure about this holiday season: The need for help is at the highest level it’s been in years.

We’ve already heard from several local charities who are pushing the envelope to meet demand. Not only have the economic times cut into the public’s ability to give, they have also increased demand for services. Now, more than ever, we need to step up and help.

If you’re not sure how to donate, the United Way is a good place to start. United Way of Parker County serves more than a dozen local charitable efforts, including many we’re familiar with on a day-to-day basis. Above and beyond a United Way donation, we’re going to see a lot of fundraisers and food drives this holiday season. Public pantries are running dangerously low and need to be stocked in advance of the holidays.

Right now there is a food drive under way to benefit the Center of Hope and the Senior Center. The Weatherford Democrat is one of the drop-off places for this effort. Manna House is also in need of food for its pantry.

As the local economy begins to improve, the ability to meet the charitable need will improve long before the demand for services decreases. The job market remains soft and will for quite some time as we emerge from this meltdown. The key time period is the upcoming holiday season. More people need help, and there are less people able to help them. Normally, that’s a formula for hard times, but in our community it’s a challenge that can be met.

If you would like to help, but don’t know how, we invite you to contact us here at The Weatherford Democrat. We’ll put you in touch with a reputable group and make sure every opportunity you present is put to good use.

With everyone’s help, we can weather this storm and come to the aid of those less fortunate than ourselves. One thing this economic meltdown has taught us all is that hard times can hit anyone at any time.