Giving spirit found lacking

Let’s hope that people will be more generous to the victims of the Haiti earthquake than we seem to be lately to our own country people.

Each year I take a few names off the Christmas trees in the banks (in my case, the Wells Fargo Bank in Coupeville) to get the children their requested presents. I chose three this year and delivered the items they asked for (clothes entirely this year, not a single request for a toy or frivolous item). I delivered them by Dec. 20 as asked.

But I went to the bank on the 21st and saw the box of gifts gone but still 12 children’s tokens left on the tree. I took them all and got what they needed, but I was truly shaken that those who had enough money to even enter a bank would not give an essential item to a child in need. I know people are hurting or at least (wisely) scared to spend money because of the economy; but the price of a pair of jeans for a kid?

And you don’t have to have a penny to give blood. I just received an email, as a regular blood donor, that the supply of blood has become critically low and they’re in desperate need of blood donations. Blood is not something a person in need can do without.

So I hope we find room in our hearts and pockets for both the Haiti earthquake victims and hurting people in the U.S. We all hope surely that others respond in kind when we’re in need.

Patricia Brooks

Coupeville

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.