By Editorial
“It is better to give than receive,” the smug, mocking voice tells the listener as it touts the virtues of a Jaguar as a holiday gift. The radio commercial urges us to be self-indulgent. Its subliminal message: Go ahead, buy yourself something really expensive - don’t worry about the state of the economy, or the world, for that matter - let them all eat cake.
No doubt many of us shrug, or are even amused by the unintentional anti-holiday sentiment of this ad. Most of us see beyond the transparency, and truly believe giving is better than getting. Gifts, giving and receiving, among our families will always be a part of Christmas. But the most important aspect of the holidays is giving to someone less fortunate, someone whose plight you might never have thought about or encountered had you not thought of helping.
Donating to the Town Crier Holiday Fund or another worthy charity helps us connect with our community, especially those whose needs are much greater than ours. It makes us feel good and, most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do.
There are plenty of people who need help these days. Thousands are still smarting from the horrors of Sept. 11. Millions are hurting from our economic downturn. In our county alone, the jobless rate has skyrocketed over last year, eclipsing the national figure. Our St. Joseph the Worker Center at El Camino and Jordan has closed down, a center that at least offered employment direction and organization for hundreds of day workers who are left wandering the streets again while Los Altos and Mountain View officials wash their hands of the matter.
Giving money to organizations in our Holiday Fund will go a long way toward helping many needy residents; but go one step further - volunteer some time with one of these groups.
The Town Crier staff is again volunteering time at the Community Services Agency in Mountain View, performing such tasks as stocking shelves with donated food and organizing toys. It is worth mingling with some of these people you are helping to truly understand the difference you are making in their lives. You also come away with a more realistic appreciation of what you already have.
Is getting that Jaguar really the most important goal of your holiday season? Or is there a more substantive kind of happiness knowing you have given to others to make their lives richer?
