Don’t let the dour economy sour your spirit of giving

The depressing numbers validating the severity of America’s economic meltdown pounce upon us at a frenzied pace.

UOn Wall Street, the Standard & Poor’s market index lost 6.7 percent of its total value Thursday, closing at its lowest point since April 14, 1997.

USales of automobiles are expected to fall 15 percent this month, one of the steepest monthly drops in American history.

UU.S. unemployment claims surged to a 16-year high last week. For the month, they’re at a level not seen since 1983.

Too often, many turn a blind eye to the human faces behind such cold and impersonal socio-economic statistics.

But at this threshold to the 2008 season of giving, it is critical to remember those faces. It is even more critical to help them.

One need not look far to find neighbors in need. The need is visible at the local Salvation Army, where more than 4,000 families are expected to sign up for Christmas assistance this year.

It is visible at the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley where 1,700 more people than last year routinely seek its aid.

It is visible at the St. Vincent DePaul Society kitchen in downtown Youngstown, where the number of people receiving daily meals has increased 50 percent since this June alone.

Despite the recession and forecasts of even worse economic times ahead, many of us still have ample reasons and resources to give thanks. Even though 7.5 percent of our Valley population remains jobless, the vast majority of us are still gainfully employed and planning traditional holiday feasts, gift-giving and fellowship with our loved ones.

At a time when helplessness is skyrocketing and the resources of traditional helping agencies in our community are dwindling, those of us who can help must redouble our efforts.

Holiday drives

In addition to the Salvation Army, Second Harvest and St. Vincent DePaul, numerous longstanding charities in our community kick into high gear for the Christmas season. Many have started holiday drives much earlier than usual this year out of fears of reduced collections from the downturn in the American economy.

We’re confident that the Mahoning Valley’s lot of compassionate Samaritans will prove such fears wrong. Those who lack monetary resources can volunteer time by ringing bells in front of the traditional red kettle displays, by serving meals for the Rescue Mission or St. Vincent de Paul or by knitting a pair of gloves for patrons of the Beatitude House in Youngstown. The options are almost endless.

While remembering those in need is a mainstay of the season, we should also remember that there are those who need our moral support even more than our monetary support. With that in mind, The Vindicator’s Operation: Holiday Cheer targets military personnel stationed across the globe. Area residents are encouraged to write them cards, letters and, yes, even send them gifts, as tokens of our appreciation for their sacrifice.

Go to www.vindy.com and click on the “Operation: Holiday Cheer” banner to find the names and military addresses of area men and women serving in the U.S. armed forces who won’t be home for the holidays. Select a soldier’s name to add to your card or gift list. Mailing guidelines and gift suggestions are included with the list.

Whether you drop a spare dollar or two into the red kettles of the SA, donate a few loaves of bread to the food bank or drop a warm and thankful letter off to a homesick Valley service member stationed in Iraq, you can take pride in knowing that you’ve done one small part toward making this season of joy, compassion and giving more meaningful.