Americans were horrified at the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli villagers on October 7 this year. The brutality and futility of the attack rocked the imagination. Yet within days, we witnessed huge protest marches in U.S. and world capitals and universities in favor of Hamas.

Their favored chant, “from the river to the sea,” means only one thing, and that is the annihilation of Israel and all its Jewish inhabitants. Such support for terrorism exploded in the 1970s as well in European cities and universities, and people wondered then about this same gleeful valorization of revolution by comfortable, privileged youth.

One might expect campus teach-ins or op-eds on either side of a political conflict today too in elite educated spaces like Harvard and Columbia, but why do we again see such unchecked street rage there? Why do we hear absurdly hyperbolic accusations like “genocide” and “apartheid,” and why do news outlets accept unvetted news reports and ludicrous casualty counts from Hamas itself? The Germans had a word for it: Leidensneid, or an envy of suffering, first described by authors such as Jillian Becker, the chronicler of the Baader Meinhof group.

The youth of this formerly Nazi nation thought of their old country as irredeemably evil, and they were not entirely wrong. They came to envy the romanticized and righteous suffering of oppressed peoples, whose plight seemed authentic and meaningful. As they lived a soft life under the new democracies, their hatred of the old order grew. Eventually, they demanded nothing short of a utopian standard of justice for the new.

They developed an ideology of hypersensitivity to wrongdoing, including any they saw in their new nations. And so, bereft of a nation to identify with, they identified with the victims of the post-war world, vowed destruction of “the system,” and embarked on urban guerrilla terrorism. Similarly, today, protesters believe that Gazans live in an “open air prison” and thus suffer nobly.

Therefore, they deserve our pity and support. Their struggle is heroic; their lives are significant and noble, unlike the Western student’s comfortable middle-class, or even upper-class, existence, purchased with the wrongdoing of their country. The Leidensneid of the ’70s repeats in today’s popular oppressor/oppressed theory, the simplistic reduction that any successful nation or people must have achieved its success by oppressing less successful peoples.

They valorize this suffering and therefore believe that Hamas, in the present instance, has no choice but to resort to terrorism for “liberation” against giants like Israel and the U.S. Psychologist Schura Cook also noted that the main youth terrorist groups arose at the same time in Italy, Germany, and Japan — the Axis nations defeated by the West in World War II — suggesting that emotional reaction to the past sins of their countries rather than political ideology is the driving force of this terrorism.

Today, in an atmosphere of one-sided criticism of the West, protest and repudiation seem the only ethical course to the protesters, like the reaction after WWII. This especially presents a difficulty for youth from families that emigrated from the Middle East. If the old country is beautiful and advanced, why did it fail to meet the needs of their immigrant parents? The oppressor/oppressed paradigm resolves this conflict. Additionally, tyrants (like Hamas) use the oppressed claim to deflect responsibility for their own failures.

The scapegoating of the U.S. in general and Israel in this particular conflict thus answers the need of both the confused protester and the tyrant. The media in today’s hyper-emotional atmosphere play a huge role. Much has already been written about Pallywood, which the legacy media finally acknowledged as propaganda. But shockingly, today we see that this nonexistent neutrality of media persists. The media repeat obviously erroneous news, like the bombing of the hospital in Gaza, or suppress other news, or couch a news item in misleading language.

Also, the media studiously avoid investigating the funding of these marches, when names like “International Answer” appear printed on the very placards that the marchers are carrying. Today, we can only wonder how thousands of Palestinian flags and martyr/soldier garb suddenly appear in all the world capitals. Who paid for it all? The academy today extols the supremacy of sensitivity over truth. Students seek mental health care when they hear a political opinion they do not agree with or after a “misgendering” — and the media reinforce these sentiments.

Ignorance of the history of the Middle East region adds to the emotionalism of the conflict. This ultra-sensitivity of the protesters can easily harden into a state of cold insensitivity toward their own victims in the fight for utopia. The terrorists of the ’70s chose to break all contact with conventional life and embark on guerrilla revolution, and today we see growing hatred as people rip posters of kidnapped children off lampposts, burn flags, chase down Jewish students, justify each October 7 atrocity in the name of “resistance,” or deny that the massacre happened at all. This is how violent ideation begins.

This situation is at an inflection point. We must employ sophisticated public relations and media strategies if we are to avoid the same catastrophes that occurred in the former Axis countries: years of bloody urban terrorism. We can discount their overblown rhetoric at our peril; their hypersensitivity is approaching a breaking point, and that means real terrorism. Rather than dismissing the current fevers as youthful naïveté, the universities must introduce the protesters to real education.

The criminal justice system must bring appropriate charges for violent action, or for monetary or other support for terrorism. Protesters not yet hardened into violence must be re-educated, by media or universities, with substantive exposure to those they claim are evil. It is heartening to see the action of Columbia University to ban two radical anti-Israel student groups and of MIT to suspend violators.

The Israeli government is showing film taken by the Hamas attackers themselves on October 7 to journalists and influencers. This is a good start. Many protesters would eventually abandon the movement, given the real facts. Reality is the surest cure for this relentless self-loathing and nihilism.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various author’s articles on this Opinion piece or elsewhere online or in the newspaper where we have articles with the header “COLUMN/EDITORIAL & OPINION” do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints or official policies of the Publisher, Editor, Reporters or anybody else in the Staff of the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle Newspaper.

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The flames may have been squelched, but the devastation wrought by the wildfires that swept through Maui last week will endure for years. With the death toll of 96 expected to climb even higher, already this has been named the deadliest American fire in over a century. Nearly all of historic Lahaina town has been destroyed, and many local residents have lost their homes, as well as friends and family members.

“In Lahaina, it’s like an atomic bomb went off. It’s really bad,” said Eddy Garcia, a local man who is leading relief efforts.

What can you do to help?

While FEMA and other government agencies have boots on the ground to manage hazards onsite, and the Red Cross is accepting donations, there are several smaller nonprofits that are more rooted in the community. Understandably, many of us are skeptical of scams. The fundraisers listed below are vetted.

These organizations are making extraordinary efforts to put your donations to good use. Here, you can feel confident that your dollars will make a difference.

Regenerative Education Centers

Eddy and his husband Sam Garcia run a sustainable farm on the south side of Lahaina and Living Earth Systems, a nonprofit that teaches regenerative agriculture. Although the farm was heavily damaged by the fires, it still offers generators, solar power, plumbing, food and the shade of mango trees. So, the Garcias have opened it as an off-the-grid shelter for displaced residents.

You can donate to the nonprofit’s Maui relief fund at Regenerative Education Centers (REC). Garcia notes that REC is waiving administrative fees for the time being, so that all the money you donate goes directly to helping locals.

“FEMA and Red Cross are just worried about keeping people out of town,” says Garcia. “We’re focused on actually taking cake of everyone. These are our families and friends.”

He adds, “We are all about bringing our community together. We’re bringing in water, modular solar systems, temporary shelters, and we’re growing food right here. Many of our neighbors whose homes were destroyed are coming long-term to live on our site. We’re also thinking to the future and how we can help people get back onto their land. We are here for the long haul.”

Regenerative Education Centers Foundation: https://www.recenters.org

Hawaii Community Foundation

The Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) is a highly regarded nonprofit that has been fostering the local community through philanthropic efforts for over 100 years. They immediately set up the Maui Strong Fund to solicit donations for fire relief. In less than a week, the fund has received $27M from over 100,000 donors in more than 40 countries.

“We are so humbled by the outpouring of aloha from around the world,” said spokesperson Sheila Sarhangi in an interview. “Lahaina holds a place in many people’s hearts—and we are seeing individuals and businesses respond by trying to uplift Maui and the community in this really devastating time.”

Sarhangi reports that to date, HCF has awarded $4 million in grants to over 30 organizations on the ground. “Our community partners are offering direct services and support to residents affected the fire, including cash cards, shelter, food, animal care, clothing, internet, medicine, grief support and more.”

“We’re a strong community here in Hawai‘i,” Sarhangi adds. “We’re all in this together, and we’re in it for the long haul. We’ll rise from this, but it’s going to take time.”

Hawaii Community Foundation: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

Ama OluKai Foundation

The sustainable footwear company OluKai, a certified B-corp, has a decade-long history of supporting the Hawaiian community through its Ama OluKai Foundation. When the islands were hit hard by the Covid pandemic due to the shutdown of the tourism industry, the Ama OluKai Foundation stepped in with extra efforts to support local farmers, chefs and restaurants. Now, the nonprofit has set up a fund for Maui fire relief, and OluKai is currently matching donations.

“OluKai has been absolutely devastated by the destruction in Maui,” said Kerry Konrady, CMO at OluKai, in an interview. “Our hearts are with everyone impacted directly. Since last week, OluKai has been matching the first $200,000 in donations to Maui. These monetary donations will be going directly to families and on-the-ground initiatives that need them most immediately.”

Ama OluKai Foundation: https://olukai.com/products/maui-fire-relief-fund

Third Wave Volunteers

Dr Alison Thompson received a Presidential Lifetime Service Award from President Biden in 2022. Her non-profit, the Third Wave Volunteers, has grown to include more than 30,000 first responders to global emergencies.

Although not a locally-founded organization, Third Wave Volunteers operate by sending a small number of trained medics directly into disaster zones to work closely with grassroots organizers to save lives. In response to the Maui fires, Third Wave already has sent a team of medics to ground zero. They are going door-to-door in Lahaina offering medical assistance. They’re also delivering supplies to those who need them.

Third Wave Volunteers: https://angelink.com/fundraiser-public/5af3b6f6-017c-482d-9feb-4ee7d418db7f

Highgate Hotels in Hawaii

Beyond nonprofits, local businesses have sprung into action, as well. Hawaiian Airlines, Matson shipping company, Hawaiian Electric, and First Hawaiian BankFHB -5.1% are just some of the companies that have made significant donations so far.

Highgate Hotels in Hawaii have launched a Love Maui fund, where anyone can donate to support Maui families impacted by the wildfires. In addition, the company is donating $10 from every upcoming hotel booking at the resort to the Highgate Charitable Foundation, with the goal of raising $1M for Maui. Finally, ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is donating net proceeds from its second Amplified benefit concert on the evening of Saturday, August 26 to Maui relief efforts.

Kelly Sanders is the EVP of operations for Highgate. In an interview with me, he said, “We are devastated by the destruction and loss the Maui community is experiencing, and we are committed to helping support and rebuild in any way we can. With the help of our extended Highgate ‘ohana, we’re confident that we’ll be able to quickly reach our goal of raising $1 million for Maui families in need.”

Highgate Hotels in Hawaii: https://www.alohilaniresort.com/lovemaui

Additional Links:

https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii.html

https://ignite.stratuslive.com/auw/get-involved/donate/mauirelief

https://mauifoodbank.org

https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/donate-olx

https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/august-2023-wildfires

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Gov.ca.gov | Contributed

California continues to deliver relief to the people of Ukraine. Since March, the state has shipped five, 50-bed field medical stations along with thousands of pieces of protective gear to Ukraine.

“California has stood firm in our support for Ukraine since day one of Russia’s unprovoked invasion,” said Governor Newsom. “Our support will save lives and help the people of Ukraine as they experience unspeakable atrocities, and we will continue to support Ukraine’s brave fight against tyranny and oppression.”

For nearly three decades, as part of the California National Guard’s State Partnership Program, members of the Guard have trained members of the Ukrainian military. Together, both the state National Guard and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) collaborated with state, local and federal agencies to deliver medical equipment and tactical gear supplies to Ukraine. The field medical stations are donated by the State of California’s Emergency Medical Services Authority at the California Health and Human Services Agency.

The National Guard has facilitated the shipment of protective gear which includes 4,320 ballistic vests and 1,580 helmets, with additional shipments planned in the coming weeks. Additionally, OES has facilitated the transfer of PPE and five field medical stations to cities in Ukraine, and is in the process of sending two more to Ukraine in partnership with Direct Relief of Santa Barbara, for a total of seven field medical stations (350 beds).

“California is incredibly proud to stand with the Ukrainian people as they have shown phenomenal resilience under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. We will continue to deliver additional aid in the coming weeks which will be used to help save lives and treat those devastated by the ravages of war,” said OES Director Mark Ghilarducci.

“California’s National Guard has formed an unbreakable bond with our Ukrainian counterparts and when the call was made to provide support and aid in a time of need, we responded with overwhelming support. The Guard requested donations of tactical gear from State National Guards throughout the nation and they responded with enthusiasm. Thanks to donations from California and from other National Guard members throughout the country, we are able to supply those fighting in Ukraine with thousands of ballistic vests and other protective supplies,” said Major General David S. Baldwin, Adjutant General of the California National Guard.

The shipment is the latest show of support for Ukraine after Governor Newsom’s meeting with Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk in March. In that meeting, the Governor expressed California’s solidarity with the Ukrainian community and discussed the state’s efforts to support the people and government of Ukraine. The Governor also signed an executive order directing state agencies and departments to ensure their contracts comply with economic sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s attacks and to direct their contractors to do the same, and called for state pension funds to halt the flow of money from the state to Russia and to ban the purchase of Russian debt.

California and Ukraine share close ties and the state is home to one of the largest Ukrainian populations in the country. As a state of inclusion and a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge, California will continue to be a welcoming place for refugees. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Refugee Programs Bureau has more information available online for Ukrainian families and service providers (https://cdss.ca.gov/ukraine-resources).

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A recently published study out of China found that children confined at home by the coronavirus lockdown had elevated rates of depression and anxiety, raising concerns about the risk for American kids as the pandemic sweeps the nation.

Nearly 23% of the 1,784 children who responded to a survey reported feeling depression, likely due to “the reduction of outdoor activities and social interactions,” researchers noted in JAMA Pediatrics. Almost 19% said they had anxiety symptoms. Both figures were higher than the baseline rates of 17.2% for depression and 9.3% for anxiety. The study surveyed children in grades two through six in and around Wuhan.

With psychiatric problems already on the rise for American children, mental health experts weighed in on what interventions and policies might prevent similar trends here.

“I think everyone in our field is worrying about increasing depression. The suicide rate, as it is, has been going up,” said Mary Alvord, a practicing psychologist in Maryland and author of multiple books on children’s mental health.

She has observed that the pandemic has been hardest for social kids who thrive on in-person interaction and children who are naturally pessimistic. The China study found that youth who were less optimistic were more likely to experience symptoms of depression.

She recommends that parents and those who work with kids acknowledge the reality of the pandemic to children but emphasize that it’s temporary, with comments like: “It’s a bad situation. Nobody would have chosen this. We don’t know what’s coming up next. We’re trying to stay as safe as possible with the precautions, and it’s not going to last forever.”

Robin Gurwitch, a psychologist and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center, said building resiliency starts with parents.

“What the science tells us is that one of the biggest predictors of how well children will do after a large-scale event, a big danger like a pandemic, is how well the parents are doing,” she said. “It’s not that kids can’t see a parent or caregiver stressed or worried, because everyone is. The next step is equally important, that they can see their parent or caregiver cope and talk about, ‘This is what we’re going to do to pull it back together.’”

Beginning with the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, Gurwitch has been studying how children and young adults respond to crises. This one, she noted, is different.

“A pandemic like this is unique because it’s invisible,” she said. “It’s not like you can look outside and see where it is. People can be asymptomatic. This is more anxiety-provoking because we don’t know how long it’s going to last.”

To keep children mentally well during this unprecedented time, she recommends having them help other people (by writing hopeful messages with sidewalk chalk, for example), focus on what they can control (such as washing their hands), and reframe negative thoughts. Instead of “I haven’t seen my friends. They won’t remember who I am,” think: “I can’t see my friends. That’s hard, but how great will it be when I see them again? And here’s how I can stay connected.”

Ann Garland, a professor of counseling and marital and family therapy at the University of San Diego, said it’s important that public health officials, through the media, educate parents and caregivers on which responses are normal for kids to have these days and which might require professional attention.

“If there’s a pattern of emotional and social withdrawal, hopelessness, lack of interest in any of the activities that used to bring some pleasure, I would say a parent would want to reach out to a mental health professional,” Garland said. She noted that community mental health agencies and county health departments are good resources for people who are uninsured or have public insurance.

“It’s a slow-dripping kind of struggle that everybody is experiencing. With that said, I think one of the first and useful silver linings here is clearly an increased recognition of mental health needs and the impact of stress.” — Prof. Steven Berkowitz, University of Colorado

Even though most psychiatrists and therapists are currently offering services only remotely, Garland has been involved in research showing that so-called “telemental health” can be just as effective as in-person care. She noted that state and federal restrictions on telemedicine have been eased in the wake of COVID-19, a development she believes could expand access to mental health care even after the virus subsides.

Erica Fener Sitkoff, executive director of Voices for Georgia’s Children, said governments and communities can protect kids’ mental health amid the pandemic by supporting families.

That could include setting up mental health hotlines and “warmlines” (meant to avert crisis), and offering summer programs, even if they must be virtual, with a strong social-emotional component.

It also means helping families meet basic necessities, she said, such as providing food to those in need, increasing internet access, and arranging child care for essential workers. She noted that schools in Georgia have continued to supply free lunches to students and internet providers have furnished families with free broadband connections.

She said her nonprofit is working on a mental health awareness campaign to educate kids and families that it’s normal, and understandable, to feel a variety of emotions nowadays. The campaign, set to start in June, will target parents, teachers, child care providers and middle- to high-school students through social media, newsletters and online summer programs.

“Every child has experienced some level of stress, from missing friends to more extreme things like, ‘I’ve lost my home’ or ‘My family has to get food from the food bank,’” Fener Sitkoff said. “We’re operating at a new baseline of how kids are feeling and we need to adjust to that.

“Acknowledging that is the first step. That allows and opens things up for parents to seek support and for kids to seek support. We don’t need to pretend everything is OK and they should be OK and keep it moving, because they’re not.”

Families should also have regular mental health check-ins, where parents voice how they’ve been feeling as well, said Steven Berkowitz, a University of Colorado professor of psychiatry and director of the START (Stress, Trauma, Adversity Research, and Treatment) Center.

“Another useful approach, particularly in teens, is to ask them what their friends are saying,” he said. “A lot of teens don’t want to disclose their own thoughts and vulnerabilities. If you ask what their friends are saying, it gives you an opportunity to say, ‘What do you think about that? How are you doing with that?’”

Berkowitz said it’s inevitable the pandemic will cause increased psychiatric problems.

“It’s a slow-dripping kind of struggle that everybody is experiencing,” he remarked. “With that said, I think one of the first and useful silver linings here is clearly an increased recognition of mental health needs and the impact of stress.”

By Giles Bruce

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Carmelita Vallejo has long championed social causes and did not let the current global pandemic stop her from organizing a family prayer gathering on May 5 to acknowledge the National Day of Awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

“This is just another important thing I need to bring awareness to as I support the cause and pray for them,” said Vallejo, who is a member of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. “We will support our sisters and lift each other up. This is especially important for the next generation – they need to know about this now.” In 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, though the U.S. Department of Justice’s federal missing persons database, NamUs, only logged 116 cases. Often, these disappearances are connected to crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that murder is the third-leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native women and that rates of violence on reservations can be up to ten times higher than the national average.

American Indians and Alaska Natives are two and a half times more likely to experience violent crimes and at least two times more likely to experience rape or sexual assault crimes in comparison to all other ethnicities, according to the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Underreporting, racial misclassification, potential gender or racial bias and a lack of law enforcement resources required to follow through and close out cases appropriately, are just some of the challenges faced when working on these cases. Hopefully, awareness of these and other contributing factors can help reduce and eventually eliminate the widespread problem.

“This is why we need to support MMIW and make sure there are no more stolen sisters,” Vallejo said. “Four out of five indigenous women and girls experience violence today and I believe by bringing awareness, we will be more cautious of our surroundings and teach our youth to do the same.”

Prior to the stay-at-home recommendations, Soboba Youth Council members had plans for a rally. After that event had to be cancelled, Vallejo and her family decided to get together to bring help educate their community about this plight. About 35 family members and the Soboba Youth Council gathered near the temporarily closed Soboba Casino for a short afternoon ceremony.

Soboba Youth Council Vice Chairman Edwin Muro gave an opening prayer in the Luiseño language. Vallejo translated it as: “May our missing sisters feel our breath on their faces from all four directions; may they inhale our love, capture our strength and find their way home. Creator, hear our prayers today.”

Three generations of Vallejo’s family were represented, including elder Connie Briones, 66, and the youngest children: Ava’vash Briones, 2, Maylene Briones, 3 and Mayla Briones 4.

“We need to be careful and stay together, like what we are doing today,” Connie Briones said. Aurelia Mendoza was eager to show her support for MMIW and for her tribe. Tanya Briones Rivera attended with her seven children and three foster children.

“It’s important for justice to be served for all Native American women,” Briones Rivera said. “My kids have learned all about it and have been taught to be aware of their surroundings and be cautious with people.” Antonia Venegas opened up her heart to say a few words.

“We are gathered here to show support for those who have lost a loved one and that includes a few women from Soboba,” she said. “We are wearing our colors to show we support families all over with women of all ages and to let them know they are always in our prayers.”

The MMIW movement uses red as a symbol of solidarity as it is believed (in various tribes) that red is the only color that spirits see. Vallejo said that by wearing red, it is hoped that the spirits of all the women and girls will be called back so their families may have peace. Soboba Youth Council Chairwoman Iyana Briones also spoke. “We care for each and every one of these women and girls and we pray for the ones who are gone,” she said. “The girls wear red and the boys wear black as a way to show no one is alone.”

Each year since 2017, May 5 is recognized as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. The date was selected because the Montana congressional delegation persuaded the U.S. Senate to pass a resolution declaring the national day of awareness on the birthdate of Hanna Harris, a 21-year-old member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe who went missing on July 4, 2013 and was later found murdered. The national day of awareness highlights the need for ongoing grassroots advocacy and changes to the laws, policies, and increased allocation of resources to end these injustices.

The Soboba group was further unified as bird singers and dancers shared a few songs during the ceremony. Vallejo, who lives on the Soboba Reservation near San Jacinto, thanked everyone for coming and said she hoped their prayers were heard.

Information, #MMIWGActionNow and I.E. Media Group on Facebook.

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Hemet firefighters are assisting senior residents at five of the City’s mobile home parks with vitally important services, including food and prescription medicine pickup and delivery. On fliers delivered to residents and posted at the park’s community centers, Hemet firefighters are offering their assistance to those most at risk of the COVID-19 virus.

The assistance is offered through the Hemet Firefighters Association — HFFA — with additional support from the Hemet Firefighters Auxiliary. Services provided to seniors includes prescription and food pick up, along with any other essential needs requested by park residents.

The services are currently offered at five of the City’s mobile home parks; Casa Del Rey, Echo Hills, Heather Estates, Hemet West and Mountain Shadows. HFFA President David Prietto indicated that the services will be expanded to include other parks in the City. “We’re proud to support our senior residents and to help them remain in isolation until the threat of infection passes,” Prietto said.

“So many of them came out to support our efforts to protect the Hemet Fire Department a few years back when former members of the Hemet City Council misguidedly attempted to put an end to our locally controlled emergency response services, we’re pleased we can return the favor and fill an important need.”

Mobile home park residents living in the five communities can access the services by calling the HFFA at (951) 663-5564, emailing to hemetfirefighters@gmail.com, or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hemetfirefighters/.

The food/prescription pickup and delivery program is aimed at minimizing outside contact for park residents and will last as long as the shelter-in-place remains in effect for Hemet residents.

The service is in addition to other community programs sponsored by the HFFA at the City’s mobile home parks, including fire prevention training and smoke alarm battery replacement efforts.

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During the course of a given year, there are always groups of generous individuals providing support to those in need. At this time of year especially, these magnanimous people redouble their efforts that bring to life the true meaning of giving. When times are hard, the humanitarian side in many of our citizens is manifested in behaviors of good will and giving freely. Some of these observances only take time, that is cheerfully volunteered, but many others require financial support.

Happily, individuals set on achieving more ambitious objectives will always find a way to accomplish them by partnering with friends or groups with similar purposes.

December, it seems, gives us pause to evaluate our lives and think about others: some of us have had good fortune for which we give thanks to our maker. We have a good steady paying job, with possibilities of future growth, we own our home, our children are healthy and progressing in school, we have three meals a day, and we are sure that tomorrow there will be food on the table. Others however, have fallen on hard times and despair–lost jobs, lost dear ones, homes, and ill health. Thankfully we’re not alone, and we can rest assured that there is help available.

The task of helping those in need is enormous, always requiring the enlistment of countless volunteers willing to perform the hard work of lifting, transporting and serving. Food banks should be noted especially for their charitable work all year around, providing good food to the elderly, the homeless, single mothers and others in need. Veteran’s organizations, churches, social clubs, and private business also reach out to people who need relief by freely donating their time and resources.

Luckily, our community, like many cities in America is blessed with charitable people who individually or collectively work throughout the year to help the less fortunate among us. These entities are well established with the required organization capable of assisting those in need on a permanent basis while others, equally important, join in during the Christmas season. We give them thanks for all the good work and express our best wishes for continued success.

Amid melodious carols, Christmas trees with their beautiful and attractive decorations and lights, colorfully wrapped presents, splendid Christmas dinners, and happy children opening their gifts, let us be reminded of those not so fortunate who, through no fault of their own, need our support.

Enjoy a happy and safe Christmas.

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