They May Not Ask

As we enter this holiday season, let us not forget that there are those who may need our help this year. They may not ask us for it, because they may have never had to ask before. They are the new unemployed, the ones who had really great jobs. They are the ones who always gave in the past. They gave to the charities at work. They always put a few dollars in the Salvation Army stand when they heard the bell. They were the ones who adopted an "Angel" from the Angel Tree in the mall. They were the ones who went downtown to the soup kitchen and handed out heaping plates full of turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes. Now they are the ones who are real close to standing on the other side of the soup kitchen serving line.

The economy is in poor shape and even though recovery seems to be inching its way out of a dark hole, we are a long way from bringing this economy back to what it was ten years ago. We may never see the boom we have seen in the past again. Everyone realizes we went excessively far with the "have it now, pay for it later" society we were living in. Frugal is the new cool. I am glad, because I have always been frugal. The only difference now, is I finally fit in.

There are organizations in every town, all across this great nation that accept donations of food, toys, clothes, and money. They work hard, giving of their time and service to help make the holidays a little brighter for some family that has hit on hard times. They do a great job of reaching those who will ask for help. We should all try to give something, if we can. Even if it is just a few can goods, the person on the other end will appreciate it.

This year is a little different from years past. We need to keep our hearts, our eyes, and our ears tuned in around us for those who will not ask for help. They are the ones who are too proud to add their name to a list they once donated to. They will be, I am afraid the forgotten ones this year. They will sit in the homes they are on the verge of losing and they will have no presents for the children and no feast on the table. They will pray silently for others and hope the day just passes quickly. If we hear of someone who is out of work, having a hard time and maybe won't ask for help, we can make it better by forming our own little secret charity. Ask friends and family to donate to the cause. Put together some food, some toys and some hope for someone who may really need and deserve it. If you do not want to let them know who you are, you could leave the goodies on their porch or have it delivered anonymously by someone else.

This year, as we sit down with our families, let us all say thanks for what we have. I have noticed that out of this economic mess, we've all learned to be more appreciative. Seems like no matter what, the spirit of the American people lives on. We realize what we do or what we don't do and we usually come out of most situations with a better view and a better outlook. I truly believe the year 2009 is no exception. We will always overcome and we will always help each other if we can. We have learned a great lesson through this economic hardship. We have learned we can be happy with less and we can get back to the basics of family, friends, and living. We are small town USA, big cities, and a people of heartfelt gratitude that will eagerly help each other when we can.