Tiny Tim needs donations

With the holidays drawing near, Christmas lights and holiday decorations are already up, putting people in that cheery, holiday mood.  But for some Arizona families in need, they may be feeling a bit more like Ebenezer Scrooge, without the money of course.  People, college students included, need to donate more.

The holiday season is about giving, not receiving.  To me, our generation seems to have forgotten that.  Greed has taken over our society.  People always want a bigger house, nicer luxury car, expensive clothes and the newest high-tech gadget.  It honestly makes me feel ill.

Now I know times are tough.  With the recession still looming overhead there are thousands of the unfortunate out of work.  People may be a little reluctant to give things away.  But come on, this is Scottsdale. 

Not everyone in Scottsdale is extremely well off, but I’ve walked through the parking lots here at SCC.  Eighteen to 20-something-year-old students, driving the BMWs and Mercedes mommy and daddy bought them. 

There are plenty of things one can do in this holiday season to help others.  Every year since 1991, the Marines conduct their non-profit program, Toys for Tots, to ensure that needy children will receive at least one gift this season.  They ask that people donate new, unopened gifts to one of the many donation centers throughout the valley, usually at local fire stations.

For a convenient way to make a difference on campus, students can visit the hallway between the bookstore and student center for the Christmas Angel Tree, which is decorated with ornaments that lists the needs of families.  Students can take an ornament, buy the items and then return them to the school.  

Some families in need may not be looking for gifts, but rather for necessities, like food.  There are plenty of food donation organizations that will take your canned and packaged food, to help people who can’t afford to eat.  

I myself am a packrat, so I have scores of clothing that will be donated to one of the many organizations here in the Valley.  It’s as simple as rummaging through your closet and grabbing clothes that you never wear anymore.  These hand-me-downs will make a child's holiday season.    

In some cases, these organizations will even come to your to house to pick up your donations.  Making it easier than it already is. 

So this holiday season, instead of demanding gifts left and right,  do what is actually right and donate to someone.  Bah humbug!