The Spirit of Giving

I love Christmastime because of the giving, loving feel. But every year I’m disappointed when New Year’s comes because that whole feeling is lost for another year. Why can’t people be giving all year and not just during Christmas? Is that an excuse or something? It makes me sick that the Salvation Army only get out their bells and red cans once a year. Maybe some day when we have evolved a bit more we will be willing to give all year round and not just for Christmas.

CARRIE YOUNG

Laguna Niguel

* Thank you for the outstanding article you wrote during the holidays (Dec. 22) concerning the Red Cross’ holiday party held at the Santa Ana Zoo.

This kind of support by The Times is very important to organizations such as ours, and we want you to know that we really appreciate having it. We hope you have a very happy New Year.

GEORGE CHITTY

Chief Executive Officer

Orange County Chapter

American Red Cross

Santa Ana

* Regarding your article on the drop in charitable contributions (“Donations Dip as County Economy Improves,” Jan. 13), I wanted to let you know that this has not been the case for Orange County’s Jewish community this past year.

Our 1996 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign--which funds many of the Jewish community’s programs and services in Orange County, in Israel and around the world--passed the $2-million mark for the first time, achieving our goal of $2.1 million. This is $200,000 higher than any campaign in our history. And these figures don’t include the separate and growing financial commitments directly to day schools, synagogues and other Jewish agencies and organizations.

This collective leap forward represents an enhanced sense of purpose and intent in our burgeoning community as well as the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers. This is also reflected in the tangible evidence of our significant presence in the county by our 3.2-acre Jewish Federation Campus in Costa Mesa, which houses eight of our community agencies.

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign is similar in our community to the “one-gift” concept United Way fulfills in the secular community. We are proud to serve as the “911” lifeline to the Jewish people thanks to the generosity of thousands of Orange County residents who support our campaign.

BARRY ALTMAN

Campaign Chair

Jewish Federation

of Orange County