As the holiday season approaches, community members are encouraged to embrace a spirit of giving and gratitude. A local leader, reflecting on three decades of charitable work, emphasized the importance of supporting those in need, particularly during this time of year.
During a recent government meeting, the speaker shared personal experiences from their childhood in Yuma, where the focus was on generosity rather than material gain. They highlighted their ongoing commitment to philanthropy, noting that for the past 30 years, they have organized the collection of 20 to 25 boxes filled with essential supplies and toys for children in orphanages around the world. These boxes, often the only gifts these children receive during Christmas, are prepared in collaboration with their church, Saint Paul's, and distributed through organizations like the Billy Graham Foundation.
The speaker urged community members to consider how they can contribute to the well-being of their neighbors, particularly the elderly and those who may feel isolated. Suggestions included visiting local hospitals to brighten the days of patients who rarely receive visitors and offering simple gestures of kindness, such as sharing homemade treats.
In closing, the speaker expressed confidence in the community's capacity for generosity, encouraging everyone to adopt a mindset of giving as the holiday season unfolds.