Fundraising and The Have's vs. The Have-Not's

I'm about to state the obvious: times are tough. Whether you make $190,000 or $21,000, most of us are feeling the pinch of the economy. However, there are still many in the community hard at work to raise money for those who need it most this holiday season.

A few examples:

1. Mental Health Gift Lift: Visit the tree in the courthouse, pick a tag and you'll make someone's Christmas a little brighter.
2. Coats for Kids: Hosted by the Rushville FOP and the Rushville Republican, gently used or new coats are collected for kids who need it. Dry-cleaning is donated by a Shelbyville business and voila! new coats, less cold kids.
3. Elks Cloth-A-Child: An auction and Monte Carlo night boost funds to take needy children shopping for coats, hats, mittens, shoes and an outfit, and even a little something from Wal-Mart's toy aisle. 
4. Main Street Christian Church Thanksgiving Day delivery: Thanksgiving meals homemade and hand-delivered to shut-ins, the elderly, whoever needs a hot meal.
5. Toys for Tots: The Rush County Bikers head up this worthy effort every year to bring toys to tots in need in the community.
6. Rush County Nursing Home Riders: Throughout the year, this group raises funds to make Christmas a little brighter to those who may otherwise be forgotten in Rush County's nursing homes. Everything from toiletries to crossword puzzles to slippers are purchased, and the group even brings Santa out on a Harley for photo ops.
   7. RMH Pediatric and Women’s Center:  They are hosting Bella Borsetta a designer hand bag auction where it has been advertised that you pay $75 for a opportunity to bid on a designer purse (Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dooney & Bourke, Coach Fendi, Mark Jacobs, etc.).  Limited seating is available.

And this is just a sampling. There are numerous groups composed of bikers, secretaries, teachers, churches, non-profits, and other middle-classers in Rush County working hard to make the holidays a little better in these tough times. It really shows the spirit of the season when you see people who most likely need a little help too right now, right in the middle of a coat-sorting session, or walking with kids in the aisles of Wal-Mart, helping them pick out shoes and warm clothes for the winter.

From the looks of these we appear to be giving attention to both ends of the spectrum, but the demographics say that the middle will be asked to carry most of the load.  I think some are more fitting then others but if the money goes to the cause as it should all could benefit the community.

Now those few things to ponder:

1. What makes Rush County such a giving community?
2. Which one will you attend?
3. If you contribute what percentage actually goes to the cause advertised?
4. Will I get a designer purse if I pay my medical bills?
5. How do we become a community of more excess and one in less need?

If you know of another benefit that was not listed, please feel free to add the details in the comments to the story.

Comments

[FOP & Rushville Fire Department]

I know there are several groups that help others. Please don't forget the local FOP has its coat drive every year for anyone who needs a coat. Also, in a joint effort, the FOP and the Rushville Fire Department hold an annual Christmas Party. No child leaves the party without a gift and usually a warm meal. We are a small community and it always amazes me how we can help others when the time comes and with the economoy today. Thanks to all of those who help these organizations.

[thanks]

FOP and FD: Your effort is listed at #2, but if you would like, you should put the info regarding the Christmas party on here for the readers of this site, especially if they can help in any way.