From the Editor's Computer
Christmas is rapidly approaching. Do you have all your Christmas shopping completed yet?
Every year, we hear of different ways to give gifts - ones that aren't as commercialized and that benefit others. There are various options including homemade gifts, homemade coupons for jobs completed for the individual, buying livestock for families in Third World countries, giving to charitable organizations in the gift receiver’s name, and more.
While these are all great, and worthy, ideas, I’d like to propose another option for you to consider. Support your local community. There are a variety of ways you can go about doing this.
The obvious, of course, is to shop for gifts in the local stores or get a gift certificate from a local business to give. Buy a special treat from the grocery store to give. Get a gift card from the gas station or a restaurant. Don’t forget the hairdressers and other service people. Check out the merchandise at the unique shop that you haven’t had a chance to venture into yet.
If you are the type who gives to charity, you are also in luck. You could make a donation to the local Food Bank. You could sponsor a special project the school is implementing. Why not donate an amount equal to the cost of a registration or membership into a group so that no one who wants to belong is left out. Or you could donate to any of the other clubs, organizations, and charities in your community that provide programming for a variety of ages and needs. Each of those organizations fundraises throughout the year to provide programs and services to the community members, so why not help them out with a little extra. Can’t think of an organization to support. Look through the pages of this newspaper and you’ll find listings for the communities. There are lots to choose from. Pick one or more that you feel are important to maintain in the community.
By doing your Christmas giving locally, you ensure that the businesses, clubs, organizations, and charities at home are healthy, viable and able to continue serving your community.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xar0_h62siMZFJ0mhYXPGSnwDJ6PLOEK/view?usp=sharing
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