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GUEST COMMENTARY: Replace despair with joy and hope
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By Katherine Quinn
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The Dow plunges...foreclosures are up 25 percent compared to the same period last year…Paterson warns that draconian measures will be taken to slash the state budget…these are just a few of the infinite number of gloom and doom statements that have been hitting us from all angles over the last two months. As if this is not enough, we are promised by many that the worst is yet to come. The state of the economy is a topic on everyone’s mind and it hardly seems that this upcoming holiday season is one to be jolly and bright.
Although I am not discounting the legitimate concerns we all share about employment, housing and our future, I am going to take a daring leap to a brighter side and suggest that all is not lost. Through this challenge, opportunities might be created that we never thought of before because we didn’t need to.
I am inviting you to join me in taking a break from despair and replacing it with joy and hope. This time of year is a good time for all of us to reflect on what is truly important and we might be pleasantly surprised at our findings. This is an ideal time to step away from ourselves and reach out to someone whose needs are greater than our own. It is a great time to spend more quality time with loved ones and volunteer in the community; the joy and satisfaction of giving will last long after the thrill of owning a new “toy” is gone. It is a time to walk more and drive less; it will save money, help the environment and benefit our health. Now, more than ever before, we have to work together and help each other. We might not be able to solve the world’s problems but we can certainly make a difference in our own circle. Let’s not forget the adage, “Charity begins at home.”
This holiday season, let’s join together and support our local businesses. They are the backbone of our community and keep it thriving. Just take a look around and you will see the many treasures we have; two great theaters, Yorktown Stage and the Paramount, fine restaurants, casual family dining, health clubs, specialty food stores, boutiques, jewelry stores and much more. This is the perfect opportunity for PTA presidents, coaches, and non-profit organizations to remember all the merchandise, time and money donated by local businesses to help out your church, school or organization. There is no better way to give back than by encouraging your members to patronize these generous merchants. Merchants, this is a great season to thank your customers for being loyal to you. In an era when a personal touch is so often lacking, a thank you means so much.
While we all have to be very careful with our spending, donating to our favorite charity is more important than ever. Donate wisely and don’t be afraid to ask how your donation is being utilized. Even if a donation is smaller than in the past, it is still important to give as it is needed and appreciated. Giving can be as simple as setting up a Caring Coins Jar in our home or office. Ask everyone to put in their loose change and maybe add savings accumulated by using coupons at the supermarket. At the end of the month, pick a charity to donate the coins to. You will be surprised how painless it is and how far the coins will go. The holidays are also a great time of year to make a donation in someone’s honor. Again, many people will benefit.
I am a realist. I know that much work needs to be done and there are more struggles to face. I am also an optimist. I know that we all have the power in our hands to make small differences that can have lasting positive and far reaching effects. For that, I have reason to be joyful and hopeful. My best wishes to you and your families for a happy, hopeful holiday season.
Katherine Quinn, MBA, a Yorktown resident, is the executive director of Support Connection, Inc. and has been an active volunteer in several community organizations and the Lakeland School District for over 20 years.
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