Let's Give More Than Thanks This Holiday Season
Let's Give More Than Thanks This Holiday Season
Whatwere your plans for Thanksgiving? Food, friends and family, maybe a little football? If so, you're very lucky. This year, a record number of Americans are "food insecure" An estimated 50 million people in our country find themselves cutting back on portion sizes and even skipping meals all together for a simple lack of food. [1] Meanwhile, corporate bonuses are still rising, and the tax breaks for the richest among us are likely to continue with so many Republicans in Congress.
Food banks across the country are struggling to provide for the neediest among us. Families wait in line for hours to receive a small box full of whatever foods have been donated and personal care items like shampoo and toothbrushes. Food shortages at some of these pantries are leaving thousands of families without even that little bit. [2] Most of these people have lost their jobs, and their unemployment benefits have expired. Many have lost their homes, many more are at risk.
There are, however, some shining examples of hope in this dark time. In a move that's left him with more than a few threats, millionaire Jeffrey Hollander is urging Congress to let the tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans expire. [3] He, and about 700 other individuals from the wealthiest 5% are members of the Responsible Wealth Project, an organization fighting for fair taxes, corporate accountability and economic justice.
Mega-billionaires Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates are spearheading a movement asking the nation's billionaires to donate at least half of their wealth to charity. [4] These people seem to realize the truth that so many others at the 'top' do not there is more than enough for everybody, and social problems increase as the wealthy continue to hoard wealth at the expense of the poor.
If you are one of the lucky people to still have enough during this Great Recession, and especially if you have more than enough, I urge you to give this holiday season. Volunteer your time, donate some food, give whatever you have I can assure you someone out there needs it.
"If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him, and lend him sufficient for his needs, whatever it may be." Deuteronomy 15:7 Five Hot Swimwear Looks to Look For This Summer How to Wear Stripes How to Find Low cost Air Travel Rates Getting Bang for Your Buck in London New Arrival 2011 Left Handed TaylorMade Tour Burner Driver Plenty of NBA ties to be found at NCAA Tournament time ACN Returns To The Celebrity Apprentice March 27th, 2011 Watch American Idol Season 10 Episode 18 Daily News Dog Summer Cooling Products Enjoy Carp Fishing Holidays in France at Etang de Planchon Learning French As An Adult Papillons and the French Connection Experience The Best Holiday With Carnival Cruise