The Season of Giving

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett
  • 436th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As each year draws to a close, we hear quite a bit about the Season of Giving. From commercials on television, billboards along the roadways and even bell ringers standing outside nearly every shopping center, we are inundated with requests for donations in the form of money, food, toys and our time.

While it seems only natural to help those less fortunate during this specific Season of Giving, I've always wondered why this season is limited to two short months at the end of each year. After all, who is helping to feed the hungry and support the needy the remaining 304 days of the year?

Are we so accustomed to only giving and sharing during November and December, that even if bell ringers stood outside the local shopping mall the rest of the year, their ringing would be in vain?

This year I challenge you to not just view this Season of Giving as a nice way to end the year, but rather a tremendous kickoff to a year-long season of giving, sharing and helping those in need. This could be in the form of sharing some of your good fortune with those you don't know or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor or co-worker.

This month there are numerous ways to participate in this Season of Giving. Until Monday you can donate new, unwrapped toys to the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots Foundation at Building 203, or bring them with you to the Warrior Run Tuesday at 3 p.m. These toys will be distributed to underprivileged children.

Also, you can provide a little cheer to our Airmen living in the dormitories by participating in the annual Cookie Drop sponsored by the Dover Chief's Group. Your donation of home-baked cookies and treats will certainly be appreciated. These goodies will be collected Monday outside the Chapel 1 Annex from 6:30 - 9:30 a.m.

There are many more opportunities on base and in the local community for you to support and give to this Season of Giving ... and during the other 10 months of the year. Let's make 2007 a year-long Season of Giving!