An Unwillingness to Share

The spirit that motivated Orange County residents to dig deep into their pockets to build the Orangewood home for dependent children and the Performing Arts Center seems to be drying up.

About two weeks ago the 1986 Orange County Survey showed that less than half of the residents polled considered it very important to give money to the poor or to arts or culture or to give their time to serve the community.

Last Monday officials of United Way revealed that the organization fell short of its expected goal and that the 123 social service agencies that receive funds will have to get by on about 10% less than they received last year.

And last Wednesday the Toys for Tots Christmas charity drive in Orange County disclosed that, as of the Monday deadline for collecting its goal of 25,000 toys for needy children, only 9,000 toys had been donated.

The deadline was extended but by Wednesday, only days before Santa Claus was due to make his deliveries, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves sponsoring the drive had only 13,000 toys. Last year 21,000 toys were collected.

Statistical data on the county’s economic conditions and personal income reflect the county’s wealth, with the median household income at $41,000.

The annual survey results and failed charity drives are beginning to show an unnatural and unbecoming unwillingness to share some of that wealth with those less fortunate.