Christmas rush: Mad dash begins; don't forget needy

There is nothing like a bargain to get a shopper's juices going.

So, it is no surprise that there were literally thousands of shoppers braving the early morning cold today to get their hands on not only the best of the best deals, but on some coveted holiday items as well.

Some are saying that their budgets will be a little tighter this year and that necessities will also be on Santa's list.

But there are still plenty of them out there shopping -- and will be throughout the weekend.

So that suggests that now is the time to remind everyone that there are many people out there right now for whom Black Friday is just another day.

There are plenty of families in this county that aren't worried about what will be under their Christmas trees. They are concerned that there might not be enough for them to eat tonight.

There are plenty of children for whom Santa Claus will be nothing but a story about a man who never quite seems to answer their Christmas letters.

And those are just a few of the reasons this will not be the brightest Christmas for many Wayne County residents. There are many families facing unemployment, foreclosure and bare cupboards.

And that is hard to remember when you are happily shopping along this holiday season.

So as you fill out your Christmas list, please add in a line to remember to donate something to your needy neighbors this holiday season. Even a small gift will help.

Those of us who are lucky enough to have the resources we need to take care of our families should be the first in line to share.

And now is the time to make plans to do just that.

Published in Editorials on November 27, 2009 10:24 AM