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Letters to the Editor

Donate during  ‘Giving Season’
Editor,
“To everything there is a season … and a time for every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
This well-known quote has stood timeless among so many thousands of seasons of change. In a time that for those of us seeking clarity in a time of seemingly constant change, this simple, but eloquent statement, gives us all an opportunity to put our lives in perspective.
While it is easy in our contemporary society to be consumed by the daily grind of life, for many this is a special time of year to reflect on a more meaningful understanding of both our individual and collective purpose.
With time, and experience, it becomes clear that life is about choices. And this is particularly true as it relates to financial resources and economic security. Being self-sufficient and supporting our families being paramount but, in addition, finding ways to serve the greater good.
We are all part of the larger community, whether we realize it or not. The quality of so many aspects of our lives is based on the actions, decisions, and circumstances of so many who we will likely never know. We see it every day at the Community Foundation – the selfless acts of individuals sharing what they have to help someone else.
Volunteers ringing the bell for the Red Kettle Campaign, adopting families in need for Christmas or serving warm meals to hungry neighbors. Generous souls dropping dollars in the Red Kettle, making contributions to their favorite charities, or helping a friend or family member who has fallen on hard times. We make the difference for each other in our community.
We are fortunate that at this time every year, regardless of our diversity of faiths, ethnic origins, or cultural identity, we all have an opportunity to do our part to make a difference in the lives of others in our community. This time of year is seen by many as the “The Giving Season.” The spirit of sharing our time, energy and resources to do something nice for someone else.
As a child, we greatly enjoy the act of receiving – embodied by the act of sitting on Santa’s lap and listing all the things we “need” and want. As we mature, the focus of the season shifts to helping to make other’s holiday brighter at home, in our extended families and in our community.
With so many ways to make an impact, how do you go about deciding where your charitable gift should go or how to start? May I suggest you start by thinking about the causes that matter to you. The needs of others on the Lower Shore are incredibly diverse and timeless. But we can be grateful that in our region there are so many outstanding, dedicated and effective nonprofit organizations that meet these needs and more, each and every day.
The Giving Season gives every one of us a wonderful opportunity and yes, quite possibly, a responsibility to make a difference to enhance the greater good throughout our community – our extended family. Don’t let this time pass without experiencing the special joy, we may all share – through charitable giving.
Erica Joseph
President, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.
 

WYFCS, donations big impact on area children
Editor,
Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) would like to thank our donors for their continuous support through the years.  
Your financial assistance provides a brighter future for children in our community and helps families who are struggling emotionally and financially. As you know, not all families have support systems in place that can help them through difficult times, but they know, and you know, that WYFCS is here to help.   
For 41 years, we have been making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Because of you, we were able to serve thousands of people in Worcester County this year.  We helped impoverished families find needed resources, gave at-risk adolescents hope for a brighter future, provided educational and wellness experiences to children, provided therapy services to people of all ages, and advocated for neglected and abused children who live in our community.
We are excited to share with you that over $4,000 was donated to WYFCS through the Giving Tuesday campaign held Nov. 29. Giving Tuesday is a nationally recognized day designed to give thanks and show appreciation for our personal successes by donating to charities that make the world a better place to live.  
Since our focus is right here in Worcester County, we partnered with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to promote Giving Tuesday for local charities.  
We are so grateful that you remain committed to our organization and entrust us to brighten the future for our neighbors and friends. If you were not able to give on Giving Tuesday, it is not too late! Please send your donation to WYFCS at 124 N. Main Street, Suite C, Berlin, Maryland 21811, or you can donate online at www.gowoyo.org by selecting the donate button at the top of the main webpage.
Steven Taylor
Executive Director
Worcester Youth & Family Counseling Services, Inc.