With the Thanksgiving leftovers dwindling and November all but done, the Christmas season is upon us.
Some may feel it has been around for weeks already, as the holiday advertising push seems to begin a little earlier each year. The early days of the season seem to revolve around the "getting" before the "giving," — Black Friday sales, mall traffic, luxury cars with bows on top, the latest electronic goodies, must-have toys and tales of retailers’ hopes for a bright season after a year of recession.
There’s nothing wrong with any of that, of course. Remember, this tradition began with the Magi some 20 centuries ago, and now extends to our modern practice of wrapping up a CD or a Snuggie for someone we love. The joy of giving may have evolved, but the sentiment is the same.
This season, we want to again urge everyone to extend that generosity to those in need around us. Many charitable agencies are like retailers in that the holidays find them putting their energies toward filling their coffers at the end of the year. That’s especially true in tough economic times, with many folks losing their jobs and homes in the last year and with the cold breath of winter bearing down.
There are dozens of agencies seeking assistance, and it is a challenge for us to offer a list without fear of leaving someone out. But we do want to touch on a few in particular that are seeking your help. Our community is blessed with individuals and organizations known for their charitable work and willingness to help those in need. Most donations are tax deductible as well.
n One involves giving to the Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Hospice program, which provides end-of-life care to terminally ill patients in their home and counseling to family members. The Love Light Tree program benefits hospice, with donors able to purchase lights for $10, stars for $100 or an angel for $500, in the name of a person of their choice. The program raised $112,000 last year and $1.6 million since it was begun 30 years ago.
n The lighting of the new Love Light Tree — the old one was damaged in a storm — is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the hospital. Donations may be made by calling 770-219-1830 or sent to The Medical Center Auxiliary, 743 Spring St., Gainesville, GA 30501.
n For those who are stocking up on new household items this holiday, the Disability Resource Center is interested in your used furniture or kitchen items. They can help patients who are moving out of a nursing home or other health facility into independent homes. To donate, contact 770-534-6656.
n And there is the annual Empty Stocking Fund, led by the Gainesville Jaycees since 1955. The program offers $90 worth of clothing and a toy to children in need, with list of families provided by elementary schools in Gainesville and Hall County totaling 490 children. Club members and volunteers recently took some 70 of those children shopping to pick up their holiday items, but more donations are needed.
The Jaycees also will be raffling off gift cards and trips for $20 each ($50 for three, $300 for 20). Donations can be made by contacting the Jaycees at P.O. Box 126, Gainesville, GA 30501, phone 770-532-7714, fax 770-503-0403 or online .
n Toys for Tots also helps put smiles on children’s faces each Christmas season. New, unwrapped toys worth $10 to $15 can be dropped off at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, 230 E.E. Butler Parkway, or the United Way of Hall County offices at 527 Oak St., among other locations. Donations will be accepted before Dec. 14. To find out more, contact the United Way at 770-536-1121.
n The Mayor’s Motorcade on Dec. 9 offers donations to the region’s mental and behavioral health patients. Cash donations are accepted through Dec. 4, gift donations of new or unused items through Dec. 7. Gifts may be dropped off at any Gainesville fire station or to the Community Service Center at 430 Prior St., 770-503-3330. This is the 51st year of the statewide event, sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association.
n Another key need this time of year for struggling families is food. Presents under the tree are a luxury for folks who are having trouble just finding enough to eat. The Georgia Mountain Food Bank is working to meet that need and welcomes your donations at P.O. Box 233, Gainesville, GA 30503, phone 770-967-0075.
Among the pantries it serves is the Chattahoochee Baptist Association, which includes about 70 churches in and around Hall County. The CBA provides food for families as well as a Secret Santa program that offers food and toys for children in need. Contact the CBA at 1220 McEver Road, Gainesville, GA 30504, phone 770-532-3371, fax 770-532-5681.
n And it wouldn’t be the holidays without the sound of The Salvation Army bell-ringers braving the cold for its kettle campaign. Contact the local branch at 770-534-7589 if you’d like to donate or volunteer.
Many of these organizations and dozens of others are served by the United Way of Hall County, which is in the middle of its fundraising campaign. Those who wish to give can contact the United Way at P.O. Box 2656, Gainesville, GA 30503, phone 770-536-1121, and know that your donation will be channeled to a number of worthwhile local agencies. The Web site includes a full list of the organizations it serves along with contact information for each one.
Yes, times are tough and our holiday budgets may not be as flexible as in years past. But let’s not forget to look past the presents we put under the tree and offer some cheer to our neighbors in need as well. The satisfaction we get will make the Christmas star burn even brighter this year over our blessed community.