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
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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.
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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.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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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.
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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.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To mail workers, volunteers and food bank staff for gathering food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive today. A plastic bag designated for canned goods and other non-perishable food items should have arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. If you haven’t already, take a few moments to fill the bag with food and hang from your mailbox. If you didn’t receive the special Stamp Out Hunger bag, any plastic bag filled with food will do. This food drive helps feed thousands of South Georgians annually. Valdosta-Lowndes County often donates more food than nearly all other cities and counties in Georgia.
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Celebrating nurses
She is considered the founder of modern nursing so it seems only natural that National Nurses Week would include Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
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Helping the hungry: Mail it in!
Valdosta-Lowndes County continues revealing its generous spirit.
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Thoughts on graduation
