Trending
As November approaches and we begin to think about Thanksgiving festivities, we hope you will pause to consider spending a little less time counting our blessings and a little more time sharing them.
Last week, Shelter Services in Lewistown marked its 40th anniversary, bringing together longtime supporters and individuals whose lives have been changed by the organization.
There was plenty to recognize, but the evening also offered a sobering reminder of the hardships facing some of our neighbors.
Pastor Mike Baily shared some concerning figures. Eight years ago, Shelter Services was helping approximately 100 people annually. Today, that number has climbed to around 260.
During the anniversary dinner, Executive Director Jane Neff recalled a time when nine shelter residents were older than 65. At another point, four were undergoing chemotherapy. An 85-year-old veteran is among the shelter’s current residents.
It’s difficult enough to face a serious illness or the challenges of aging without also worrying about having a place to live.
Shelter Services is there when people need help. But sometimes we wonder how much hardship might be eased if we paid a little more attention to our neighbors.
We can be quick to complain about the condition of someone’s property, wonder why a neighbor rarely leaves the house or criticize someone for asking for help. We’re not always as quick to find out what’s going on.
Perhaps that overgrown yard belongs to someone who is physically unable to maintain it. Maybe the neighbor who never seems to leave home doesn’t have reliable transportation.
Or maybe someone we see every day is barely managing to make ends meet, and we’d never know it because we’ve never asked.
We can’t fix every problem, but we can be a little more curious about how the people around us are doing and a little more courteous in how we treat them.
Sometimes helping is as simple as offering a ride, bringing over a meal, picking up groceries or spending an afternoon helping someone with a chore.
Other times, it might mean listening without judgment or helping someone find an organization that can provide assistance.
Of course, there are many worthy organizations throughout the area that could use donations and volunteers, particularly as the holidays approach. Shelter Services is certainly among them.
If you’re in a position to contribute financially or give some of your time, we encourage you to do so.
But giving doesn’t have to involve opening your wallet, and it doesn’t have to happen through an organized charity.
Nor should it be limited to November and December.
A meal or a ride to the doctor won’t solve homelessness or eliminate financial hardship. But a little help at the right time might keep an already difficult situation from getting worse.
And even when it doesn’t, there’s value in letting someone know they aren’t facing their troubles alone.
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to reflect on our own blessings. That’s a worthwhile tradition, but it shouldn’t end there.
This year, take some time to appreciate what you have. Then look around and see whether there’s something you can do for someone else.
Being thankful is important. But putting that gratitude to work might be the better way to celebrate.