VALDOSTA —
It never ceases to amaze how the South Georgia community comes through for those in need.
For the first-time ever this past holiday season, the Empty Stocking Fund hit the $30,000 mark.
Even with Christmas more than a week past, additional donations continue arriving. The more money raised this year means the more children the fund will help next year, according to the Salvation Army, which partners with The Valdosta Daily Times and Guardian Bank each year to bring toys to children who may otherwise not receive any gifts on Christmas morning.
Meanwhile, South Georgia’s post-Christmas giving continues as area folks have offered help to a couple who lost their house late last week. Benefits were held last weekend for the Valdosta-area couple and the Best Western Plus is accepting gift-card donations and hosting a gold-buying benefit from 1-6 p.m. Sunday to offset the couple’s losses.
As noted in today’s editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, another Valdosta family lost everything to a New Year’s Day fire this week. The family has found a place to stay but has nothing to place in it. The family’s 13-year-old son lost the gym equipment he received for Christmas.
As the community learns more of the family’s loss, South Georgia will likely respond with help and donations. In both house fires, the American Red Cross responded to the emergencies with immediate aid. A donation to the American Red Cross ensures area residents can receive help in vital emergencies.
As we leave the holidays and return to our
normal schedules and activities, we should all
remember the spirit of giving that has buoyed the past few weeks. There are people in need each day of the year, from the less-fortunate needing help to brighten a child’s life to those needing assistance as they face a traumatic situation that has altered their lives.
Within each of us is the ability, or the talent, or the strength, or the resources to help where help is needed.
What We Think
Help where help is needed
- What We Think
-
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To all South Georgia graduates. Congratulations on your success in completing school and best wishes on your continued success in the future.
-
New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
-
Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
-
Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
-
Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
-
On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
-
Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
-
Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
-
Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
- More What We Think Headlines
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
