December 19, 2014
To The Readers
For a few days in December, we can step away from our frenzied lives, spend hard-to-find, cherished time with friends and family, and take a breath.
During this benevolent and blessed season, most of us have recognized the need of our fellow community members and donated to our favorite charities.
So many in this community, however, do so much more. The volunteers and the “paid” workers that run our local nonprofit programs to help those less fortunate are to be respected. And those who organize the numerous galas and events to raise funds for worthy causes are as well.
There is so much need, yet so much response from those who are lucky enough to help. The human spirit always manages to soar.
The examples are easy to cite:
Holiday Express and its incredible force of performers and community volunteers.
Lunch Break in Red Bank. The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen. The Parker Family Health Center.
The March of Dimes, VNA’s Health Group’s Hospice Program, CPC, which helps those struggling with addiction or mental illness. The VFW serving our veterans. Campership of Monmouth County that sends underprivileged kids to approved summer camps. The Monmouth County Arts Council that fosters the importance of art, music and theater in our lives. The education foundations helping our local colleges.
Aslan Youth that work with at risk youth. Autism Speaks, now the leading autism science and advocacy group. SPUR, a group that helps developmentally challenged children through horseback riding programs.
The list is endless and my apologies for not mentioning more.
Not to be forgotten are the numerous organizations working to promote understanding among races. Or the firemen, first aid and police who protect our communities and keep us safe.
Much of the good being done in this community is by its entire demographic, not knowing geographic or economic boundaries. Nor does it know ethnicity.
So if you haven’t had the chance yet, pick a local charity and donate your time or money. And remember to thank them as you do.
There’s much to celebrate in our lives and much of it is how we are measured as a person. Not by the home we live in, the car we drive or the clothes we wear but by how much we give back – or pay it forward.
Let’s look ahead to a peaceful, joyous and prosperous New Year for every member of the Two River Times community.
Happy Holidays all! May you be safe and warm.
Jody Calendar
Executive Editor/Co-Publisher
jcalendar@tworivertimes.com
