Holiday Spirit - Livingston County

Living in the fastest growing County in Michigan (for many years running) we sometimes forget about folks in Livingston County that need our help. I can tell you from just a casual interaction with the Gleaners Community Food Bank (from dropping off group and personal donations and helping with the annual Realtor Association effort) that there are a *lot* of people needing our help.

As a proud member of the Brighton Optimist Club, I participate in their charitable activities, too. This year, they have again selected the Connection Youth Shelter in Howell as a recipient of Holiday spirits. The club is collecting gift cards which will be given to the Connection for use as needed.

For many years, the Brighton Optimist Club has also participated in the Salvation Army's Bell Ringing program. We select a day and a location each year and take over the red kettle. Unknown to many people is that the bell ringers they see are all community volunteers. Optimists, Rotarians, church groups - they all pitch in to collect money to make the holidays better for those less fortunate.

This year, the Brighton Optimist Club will be ringing in front of Taorello's on December 6th from 10 am till 8 pm. My shift is from 5 -6 pm. For the last two years, the Optimists have been very lucky, weather-wise. I'm getting the feeling that our luck has run out this year. If you are in the area, please stop by and thank the Optimists for their community service, and drop a buck or two in the kettle. It helps to warm our spirits in the face of cold weather.

It's not a contest by any means, and I'm amazed every year to see citizens that pull out 10's and 20's and even 50's to drop into the kettle. Those are great, but we also need your 1's and your pocket change. As a Realtor, I see and hear many sad stories from people who are in process of losing their homes, or who are close to that process. It's not all bad choices or poor money management. Sometimes it can be bad luck. A family on the edge experiences an illness, a lost job, or just cutbacks at the workplace can contribute to families that need a boost.

Please be as generous as you can this holiday season and help those that are in need. At one time or another, we all need a helping hand. If you want suggestions for giving, contact me. I'll gladly give you the names of some local organizations that help our neighbors. The clubs chartered under Optimist International are located in communities all over the world. Their mission is to help the youth of your community. "Bringing Out The Best In Kids" is their motto.