A Special Year for Giving

For all the human faults we Americans have, stinginess isn’t one of them. Americans have always given generously of time and treasure to others in need--neighbors and foreigners alike. Whether it was the massive Marshall Plan to rebuild war-torn Europe or a few dollars for a CARE package sent to a hungry family abroad, Americans have given of themselves.

This fall we saw a truly historic outpouring of charitable giving from across the country to various funds and institutions--hundreds of millions of dollars and countless gallons of blood--to help the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks that devastated so many lives and hearts as well as some buildings.

Now, we’re approaching Thanksgiving, with its popular image of ample football and too much food. True enough and fair enough. But many of us also may take a moment this year to peer into those bruised hearts of ours and find a profound appreciation--an appreciation for what we as members of both a united national family and the many disparate family households across this grand land have and enjoy. And often take for granted.

Other pages of this newspaper will, sadly, show that too many souls in too many places close to home do not enjoy such security, or even an ample meal. Here’s your chance now to show your appreciation by sharing your bounty through The Times’ Holiday Campaign. Founded last year after this newspaper merged with Tribune Co., the Holiday Campaign benefits social welfare agencies and causes in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties.

The Times absorbs all administrative costs of this annual campaign, and the McCormick Tribune Foundation matches the first $500,000 at 50 cents on the dollar. If you give $50, that becomes $75. Every penny will serve the children of this area, from child drug abuse prevention to early childhood literacy efforts to basic nutrition needs and aid for mentally and physically disabled children.

With the ripples of economic uncertainty washing across our entire region, more families will be in need than before. Not everyone is given the ability and opportunity to express thanksgiving through giving. Here’s yours.

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To Take Action: Checks or money orders go to the Los Angeles Times Holiday Campaign, Los Angeles, Calif. 90074-6491. Credit card donations can be made on the Web at https://www.latimes.com/holidaycampaign. For more information about the Holiday Campaign, call (800) LATIMES, Ext. 75480.