Blessings for Christmas are wrapped in giving
As we delve deep into the Christmas season — and the reason for the season — one Biblical saying comes to mind: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
There can be no receiving without givers, and while children may be making out their lists to Santa, it falls on adults to do the giving.
As always, even in good economic times, there are individuals and families in Franklin County in need. Fortunately, there are many ways people can give, not only of their money but their time.
Some groups do their best to make sure every child receives at least one toy for Christmas. Others try to ensure that no child goes without the essentials — warm coats and warm socks to get them through the cold winter months ahead.
Other groups help provide food and utility assistance for adults and their families. Churches and shelters open their doors to provide a warm refuge and a hot meal.
None of this, however, is possible without the support these civic and religious groups receive, both in terms of money and in manpower, from ordinary folks who donate of their time or good fortune.
So, as we’re out shopping and visiting and running to and fro for these last 18 days before Christmas, it’s important to remember those among us who are less fortunate Unfortunately, there is never enough to meet all the needs, but every dollar donated to any of these charitable campaigns helps If you haven’t given yet, here are two ways you can bless others through your giving.
First, the Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular provides Franklin County residents a way to support foster children. By attending the holiday production, which runs from Dec. 11 through Dec. 14, 10% of the cost of your ticket will go to the Franklin County Department Human Resources to support foster children. Tickets range from $15 to $16 and are available at jotform.com/ showcasetheatre/roxys-christmasspectacular.
Also, $20 of each monetary donation will also be used to help local foster children.
The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council partners annually with the Franklin County Department of Human Resources on this important fundraiser.
The statistics for children in foster care in Alabama are alarming. Currently about 6,000 children are in foster care, and about 2,300 licensed foster homes exist in the state.
Secondly, in northwest Alabama, the Marine Corps League Cpl. Matthew D. Conley Detachment #1477 is doing its part to provide good cheer — and hope — to children in poor families who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season. It’s the detachment’s fifth year to be involved with the “Toys for Tots” drive.
Curtis Griffith, has led the effort, has indicated 75% of the toys collected are dropped into one of the 133 collection boxes in bank lobbies, businesses, restaurants, local sheriff’s departments and various public places in Franklin, Lauderdale and Colbert counties. Eleven of those are in Russellville.
When the drive was launched in October, Griffith indicated the boxes of toys would be picked up on Dec. 5. However, it will likely take a few days for volunteers to get to all the drop locations to get those boxes, so don’t hesitate to drop off your contributions this week. And should you not be able to locate a toy box, call 256-284-2566 to make the arrangements for a Marine Corps League volunteer to pick up your toy or money contributions.
The needs are great, said Griffith. Last year, the “Toys for Tots” drive provided Christmas toys for 1,247 children under the age of 12 in Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties.
All we ask of those of us who are making decisions about Christmas spending is to take time to be grateful enough to share their good fortune with those in need.
