Don’t wait to help
For those who would like to help with the annual Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund, there’s no need to wait until December when toys and other items are delivered to children of families who otherwise might not be able to provide them.
Volunteers are needed now, from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Doug Otto United Way Center through Dec. 13, for sorting donated items and packing boxes. The help is important because 1,100 children are registered to receive toys and other gifts. Last year 1,226 children received a holiday pick-me-up courtesy of the Cheer Fund.
Cheer Fund, the oldest surviving charity in the county, is a cause worthy of one’s time and effort. It’s not too early to pitch in.
Giving makes a difference
If you have ever wondered whether it’s worthwhile to support a cause financially, here are three recent examples that show the benefits of financial assistance by individuals and businesses:
- The 22nd annual VIMCare clinic Reverse Raffle netted $173,000, the third-highest total for the Columbus Regional Health Foundation event (the record of $189,000 was raised in 2015). The money provides medical service for the uninsured or underinsured residents of Bartholomew County.
- Arts supporters raised $110,000 at the 42nd annual Uncommon Cause fundraiser, which benefits the nonprofit Columbus Area Arts Council and its community programming.
- Centra Credit Union announced that it is giving $100,000 to 36 local nonprofits in communities where it operates to help fund their missions. The largest recipients are in Bartholomew County, where Love Chapel is receiving $7,500, while Turning Point Domestic Violence Services and Foundation For Youth will receive $5,000.
A willingness to give helps many in the community.
Kind gestures
During Veterans Day weekend, multiple restaurants and organizations honored military veterans and those on active duty by generously offering them free meals.
Some of those who did so included Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s Grill and Bar and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Columbus; The Yellow Trail Museum in Hope; and American Legion Post 233 in Edinburgh.
Those gestures are thoughtful and meaningful, and convey a token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve their country by serving in the military.
