Got any extra ...? 

‘Tis the seasonal thing to do – to ask for things we need, and to give what we can to others in need.  Throughout the year the opportunities to give are unending, but I don’t think that is a bad thing.  I am a philanthropist – to the extent that I can be – but I am an even stronger believer that philanthropy is a general concept that we must all incorporate into our lives at some point during these twelve-month cycles – fiscal or calendar years.

The issue of need becomes more evident when there are cold, hungry, homeless, sick, incapacitated, or down-right, rock-bottom, out of luck people among us during November and December.  I believe there will be more people in need this year, especially with the economy the way it is, and the rising cost of food, petroleum, and general living expenses. 

What to do? Well first, take care of self.  Without your own good health and wellness, helping others is difficult.  But then, look around and see who is asking for your assistance.  Did you get pleas in the mail from agencies having a fundraising event this month?  Have you put some cash into a barrel somewhere?  Did you buy a “turkey-gram” for a dollar at the bank to help cover the cost of a hot meal for Thanksgiving? 

If you haven’t found an agency to support, have you called the Department of Social Services or the United Way to see if there is a family in need of the extra blankets around your house that you never use?  Did you hear about someone down the street who couldn’t pay a bill or get a ride to the food bank?  Might you offer to provide some assistance? Ever put $10 worth of gas into the car of a single mother with children so she could get to work this week?  How about handing five bucks to the doorman in your building, or the elevator operator just to make him or her smile with surprise?  For that matter, give your waiter, waitress, and bartender an extra tip.  Shucks, put a $5 bill in your favorite stripper’s g-string or in the hand of one of the hard working female or male impersonators at the drag show this weekend.

I can come up with plenty of ways for you to give, if you’ve got any extra.  Men’s and women’s socks, and underwear of different sizes – big ones too – are so very much needed at A-Hope (a day drop-in shelter providing showers, food, clothing, blankets, and social support in Asheville).  If there is a shelter in your community, the same needs apply.  What about volunteering your personal time?  The value is immeasurable. 

All of these things can be done in our local communities, and anything you can do to help is what means the most right now.  Ask for what you need, but give what you are able.

If, after all of your philanthropic giving you want to delve deeply into your emotional side, take some time to visit the display of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt panels at Pack Place in Asheville from November 24th through World AIDS Day, December 1st.  If you have never seen any of it, go see what Pam and her committee brought to town, and take a few moments to remember the people who are no longer here because of AIDS.  Consider making a panel for someone, and give back that way.  It is something you will never forget, and an experience you will not regret.

Lastly, the Raise Your Hand dinner and auction benefiting the Western North Carolina AIDS Project is November 15th www.wncap.org . Also, the Art Fryar Memorial Spaghetti Dinner benefiting Loving Food Resources is November 13th: buy a $15 ticket for yourself, and take someone else too.  If you miss either or both, you may still send a donation.  And, though I don’t have all the details yet, there is always an opportunity to participate in filling boxes with your favorite homemade cookies for LFR clients in December.

These are just some of my thoughts for this time of year.

Peace.

Michael Harney – the Rubberman – can be reached at WNCAP, 828-252-7489 ext. 311 or wncap@wncap.org.