They say you should give 'til it hurts, but what if you're hurting before you even start to give?
That's the question weighing on the minds of the many Carson City citizens who work hard all year, but particularly during the holiday season, to ensure those in need get something to make their lives a little better.
As the country struggles with recession and growing unemployment, the need for a helping hand is greater than it has been in a long time. Nationwide, consumer spending has plummeted, driven by fears that tomorrow may be worse than today. Data are not yet available to show whether that fearful clutching of the pocketbook has resulted in a downturn in charitable giving. But one thing is certain, local organizations have seen the numbers of those seeking help go up significantly. And they worry that there will not be enough to go around.
The Salvation Army in Carson City says the number of people needing help this year has doubled from last year, and the organization is running through its monthly budget in a matter of days.
That's the bad news. The good news is that it's not too late to step back, push aside the fear and take a look around to see if there is indeed room for you to make a difference.
Even the smallest donation " a can of soup, a dollar or two " adds up. Even a handful of change flows into the stream that leads to the river of giving that makes a profound impact in the community.
In today's paper, on page C4, is a list of organizations that need your help. They are working to help children, seniors, the hungry and the homeless and those temporarily down on their luck. They could use whatever you can spare.
Don't let fear of the future keep you from contributing. It all makes a difference.