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(Part of a series of articles on charitable giving and the Union County Foundation by David Vollrath - Exec. Dir.) One of the favorite Christmas movies of all time is It’s a Wonderful Life. I think it is so beloved because it demonstrates the innate goodness that can be found within each of us. In the last several weeks I have seen first hand the kind and charitable hearts of the people of this County. Arguably we live in a world that can be characterized as "self absorbed" but that description belies what I observed. I experienced the best of what we are in a season that deserves such but often receives something less. If you ever feel that we live in a cold, impersonal, and uncaring world please read on. Two weekends ago I played a very small role in the annual Community Care Train auction, working on the phone bank. As I sat there between calls it became very clear to me that this event was a wonderful example of how the people and businesses of this area are so willing to support charitable causes in ways that extend far beyond just writing a check. Literally hundreds of people had given hundreds of hours of actual "service" to assure that those with less might have at little more this Christmas season. A second confirmation of the goodness of your neighbors was affirmed when I recently spent an afternoon at the local food pantry. In a very low-key unassuming way a dedicated crew of volunteers, working out of very humble surroundings supplement the basic food needs of a large number of local families. My sense is that these volunteers have worked tirelessly for the food pantry for a long time. They show up, they do their jobs, they expect and accept no accolades, and they leave knowing that they have filled some gaps in peoples lives that otherwise might not be filled. While I was there one unidentified man showed up asking what food supplies were particularly needed for distribution. Once he obtained the coveted information he left as quickly and as quietly as he came. Not knowing any better I unwittingly asked Roberta Simpson who the man was, and she replied "you know I really don’t know who he is, he shows up every year at Christmas, asks what we need and then returns later with the items." She went on to say "I call him our Santa Claus." Examples like those above are occurring every day all around us. Part of my job at the Foundation is to promote and advance charitable giving. In the sports world there is a saying that you can’t teach speed. In the world of philanthropy you could argue that you really can’t teach someone to want to be charitable. Based on my experience these last few weeks there are an awful lot of good people who understand way more about charitable giving then I could ever hope to teach. The Union County Foundation encourages you to consider your present and future charitable goals. The Foundation is equipped to help you achieve these goals by providing: planned giving and estate planning resource information, charitable gift annuities/life income plans, charitable remainder trusts, and a broad array of other philanthropic vehicles. Please call us at 937-642-9618, email commfounduc@imetweb.net, reference our website at www.emarysville.com/unioncountyfoundation, or stop by our Marysville office at 126 N. Main St. We are committed to helping you.... “preserve your footprint in time.” |
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