By Staff
Letter to the Editor
The holidays can be a stressful time. Many of us get caught up in the frenzy of sales, buying the right gifts, overspending, and the stress of getting everything wrapped and delivered on time. We often get frustrated and lose sight of what giving really means. Volunteering your time or talents is a way that you can give a truly meaningful and lasting gift, and feel great!
As the last days of November waned, volunteers of the Leadership Institute (a volunteer program of the Area Agency on Aging) gathered, filled and wrapped 343 shoeboxes for the most frail and disabled in our region. After the shoeboxes were stuffed with lotions, socks, flashlights and other personal items, they will be delivered by the Area Agency on Aging's case managers.
Kudos to these volunteers of the Leadership Institute who worked to re-affirm the true spirit of Christmas through their anonymous giving.
These Santa Shoeboxes benefit the recipients: they receive gifts that may not have great monetary value, but which carry with them the spirit of Christmas and the good wishes of the community.
These Santa Shoeboxes benefit the volunteers: through their involvement and contributions they discover the richness of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of concern for others, and a spirit which transcends religious affiliations.
These Santa Shoeboxes benefit of the entire community: to promote the common good benefits the community as a whole. Without a sense of caring there is no sense of community.
The success of this volunteering cannot be measured in the number of dollars collected or the number of presents delivered or people served. It can only be measured by the quality of the experience: the experience of the volunteers, the recipients and the community. If you wish to "catch the spirit" this season and give a lasting gift, consider giving yourself… it will outlast any present under the tree.
Sissy Louise Moore
Area Agency on Aging