Holiday Message 2012
Friends,
I recently wrote this editorial about an experience in my neighborhood. Now our local daily newspaper says that they want to publish it on Sunday.
I thought I'd share it with my friends at SpanishDict.com
Translate some portion of it, if you think it needs to be a Spanish lesson. Otherwise, enjoy!
Merry Christmas!
Joyce
Recent times have been difficult for many people. Many non-profits delivering neighborhood based services to our neediest citizens are struggling financially. A month ago I received an email from someone I know who heads up a neighborhood after-school program for youth. She was looking for modest holiday gifts for the children her organization serves: pajamas sets and oranges for their stockings.
The simplicity of the request touched my heart, and I forwarded the message to many people I know, inviting them to consider making a donation to this or another youth-serving organization. I know so many good people who are working hard to help children in the after-school hours and, without exception, the need is great. Today, given the condition of the economy, resources have never been tighter. If they had more they could do more.
One of the people who received my email was a neighbor with whom I am getting better acquainted. After receiving my email she reached out to the executive director of the organization who wrote the original message. Then she contacted some of our other neighbors on the street to rally support. She collected the donations (many people preferred to remain anonymous), purchased 20 pajamas sets and delivered them to the center along with the oranges for the children’s stockings. Mission accomplished. Happy Holidays.
Well, not exactly “mission accomplished.” The connection, now made, is taking root and going deeper than I ever expected it would. I just learned that one of my other neighbors, as a result of participating in this activity, is talking about sending her teenagers to volunteer at the center, providing elementary school students with needed homework help after school. Warmed by the generosity of others’ good intentions, I realized that this holiday spirit thing is on fire. As the result of my forwarding that one email, our street has in essence, “adopted” a neighborhood center in another part our region. This proves what I believed at a deep level all along, that no matter where we live, we are all neighbors.
There has been another benefit from this activity. As a result of it, people on our street have been brought closer together and we have experienced a heightened sense of community. Yes, any of us could have contributed financially or donated time individually. However, there is something really rewarding and empowering about pooling resources with the people who physically surround you and then making a contribution like this in solidarity, together.
Then, I realized that this doesn’t have to stop with my street. This model could be replicated across the region with great benefit to both the givers, the receiving organizations and, especially, the region’s youth. The research supporting after-school programs is compelling. As a result of what I’ve read, I believe strongly that nothing else we do will reduce crime, improve student success and graduation rates and guarantee the longterm health of our economy as keeping high quality after-school programs going. Investing in our region’s youth is literally investing in our future.
Many people give generously during the holidays. This year, some people may feel that they cannot afford to give much. Rather than cut back, what would happen if more people followed my neighbor’s humble lead and quietly organized a handful of their friends, neighbors and family members to make coordinated donations and volunteer their time to benefit youth serving organizations? We would have a quiet revolution of support for our region’s most junior and most vulnerable members. And, we would demonstrate and feel what has been true all along here in our region -- that we really do care about each other.
So, today, amidst the hustle of the holidays, I invite you to consider talking to the people on your block about making a joint donation to your favorite youth-serving organization. Even a little bit, if pooled together, can make a big difference.
Happy holidays!
6 Answers
What a beautiful story, Joyce!
I especially love this part...
what would happen ....We would have a quiet revolution of support
Many of us "foriegners" arrive here in La Paz as "cruisers", people in boats who are traveling to other parts of the world by boat. La Paz is such a special place that many of us have stuck here and now call it home, while many others pass through for a week or several months before moving on.
There is an organization here call Club Crcseros which hold several annual events that are then used to support several local charities here in La Paz. The club has a very active and large membership Here is a link to the Club website for anyone who is interested in what they do.
Ella estaba buscando para modestos regalos para los niños que su organización sirve: conjuntos de pijama y naranjas de sus medias.
^More translation! This is just one sentence, as follows:
She was looking for modest holiday gifts for the children her organization serves: pajamas sets and oranges for their stockings.
Un excelente y alentador artículo que nos devuelve la fe en la gente, especialmente en épocas de tanta violencia y crisis financiera. ¡Te felicito!
¡Feliz Navidad y Própero 2013! para ti y tu comunidad.
Very nice, Joyce. What a great idea! You are an inspiration.
Últimos tiempos han sido difíciles para muchas personas. Muchas organizaciones sin fines de lucro ofrece servicios de barrio basado a nuestros ciudadanos más necesitados están luchando financieramente. Hace un mes recibí un correo electrónico de alguien que conozco que dirige una escuela de barrio del programa para los jóvenes.
^My attempt at translating the following sentences:
Recent times have been difficult for many people. Many non-profits delivering neighborhood based services to our neediest citizens are struggling financially. A month ago I received an email from someone I know who heads up a neighborhood after-school program for youth.
