Opportunities abound: Show thanks by helping those in need

By Gerry O’Brien - 11/22/2006

Now that the noise of the mid-term elections has quieted down, we think it’s a great time for the most active, boisterous, argumentative members of the political parties to put their energy into something just as productive — volunteerism.

Think of what could be accomplished if all the energy expended in the political campaigns — the charges and counter-charges, the e-mails, TV ads and numerous letters to the editor — were redirected toward helping those most in need.

Donating one’s time — as little as an hour a week — takes a lot less energy than partisan politics and will make a lasting impression on the person in need.

If you’re searching for ways to help, check out the insert in today’s Standard, “Giving Thanks.” This lists all the charities and non-profit organizations which need your help.

Contributing to any one of these, be it with a financial donation or your time, will directly better your community.

For example, a group such as the Butte Emergency Food Bank needs help for its annual Thompson Distributing food drive on Dec. 2. Just show up at the food bank, 602 E. Aluminum, starting around 11 a.m. Volunteers will mostly unload and stack donated food that day.

United Way, the umbrella organization that gathers funds for numerous non-profits, can use your spare dollars.

United Way helps support Anaconda Project Care; Anaconda Family Resource Center; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butte; 4-Cs (Butte Community Coordinated Child Care); Butte Kiwanis Sunshine Camp; Butte Rescue Mission; Discovery House of Anaconda; Safe Space; Girl Scouts; Salvation Army and many more.

Butte’s United Way goal is $235,000 and Anaconda’s goal is $20,000. Currently, the Butte campaign is at $81,818 or 35 percent and Anaconda is at $8,389 or 42 percent. The campaign can use a shot in the arm.

Also, United Way has an annual Day of Caring. In the past, it has weatherized the Kiwanis Children’s Sunshine Camp, Discovery House in Anaconda and the Butte Rescue Mission.

Call United Way at 782-1255 and tell them you want to help.

There’s a host of great things you can do, many with just a little effort. So, if you’re looking to fill the void from electioneering, check out our Giving Thanks listings and pick a charity. It will do a world of good.