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At a time when most folks are reading the story of a young family turned away from an inn, a story in which a baby is born in a humble manger, many of us would like to think we would have given that family a safe place to stay, a comfortable place to rest, a crib for that small child.
Valdosta, after all, is a generous town. Lowndes County is a compassionate area. South Georgia is filled with the grace of the giving spirit.
Last year, the region donated nearly $30,000 to the annual Empty Stocking Fund, helping buy Christmas toys and presents for hundreds of Lowndes County children.
This year, at a week before Christmas, the Empty Stocking Fund is doing well but it could do better. Every little bit helps to brighten a child’s Christmas morning.
For generations, the Empty Stocking Fund has operated on the premise that no child should discover an empty stocking come Christmas morning.
Thanks to the work of the Salvation Army, Guardian Bank and The Times, the Empty Stocking Fund has ensured thousands of area children have toys for Christmas.
At this time of year, many wonder, would we have given that young, biblical couple a place to stay? If they knocked, would we have opened our doors?
We may never know the answer to that specific question but by giving to the Empty Stocking Fund, you can do the work of the Wise Men, by bringing gifts to a child, and joy to the world.
To donate to the Empty Stocking Fund, send contributions to: Empty Stocking Fund, c/o Margie Blanton, Guardian Bank, P.O. Box 3340, Valdosta, Ga. 31604.
What We Think
Gifts for a child
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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
