In tough times, remember those less fortunate

By Richard Eckstrom

Even in the best of times, it’s important for those who have enough to meet our own needs to share our blessings with those who do not. Helping others is our highest calling in life.

I don’t have to tell you that these are not the best of times. We’re facing the greatest recession of a generation, and more and more South Carolinians are losing their jobs every week. We recently learned that our state’s unemployment rate has reached a staggering 11 percent.

Nearly everyone is touched in some way by the economic downturn. On top of it all, we recently indebted future generations -- our children and grandchildren -- to pay for a “stimulus” bill which no one is sure will succeed in getting our economy back on track.

Indeed, it’s a period of uncertainty and, for many, pain.

As people tighten their purse strings, charities that help those less fortunate are feeling the pinch. At the same time, many of these charities are seeing an increase in requests for assistance from those seeking food, housing and help paying bills. But even as we’re pilloried daily with grim economic news, we’d do well not to lose sight of the plight of those who were already struggling to meet their basic needs.

In tough times, we must dig deeper. Here are four ways every South Carolinian can help:

-- Perhaps most importantly, we can donate money to a worthwhile charity that serves the poor, such as Harvest Hope Food Bank, Oliver Gospel Mission or the Salvation Army.

-- If you can’t contribute financially, lend a hand. Volunteering your time and effort frees up money so that charities can direct resources where they are needed most.

-- Search your home for surplus items to donate such as clothing, school supplies and non-perishable food items. There’s also a need for diapers and personal hygiene items such as soap and toothpaste.

-- Hold a canned food drive at your office, church, school or recreation center. Challenge other groups to do the same, and compete to see who can collect the most. My office is currently planning one such food drive. This can be a fun, productive way to help those in need.

Yes, times seem tough all around. But while you may be feeling pinched right now, remember that there are many people in far worse circumstances.

Besides, our quality of life is indelibly linked to those around us. When you help your neighbors, you help yourself and your entire community. So it can be reckoned that by sharing material resources with those who need more just to get by, we can all do our small part to help right this ship.