Days and days before the end of November while wrapping up this final edition for 2017, our inbox was bombarded with what appeared to be a gazillion requests for Giving Tuesday.
What always tugs at the heart, compounded by limited resources to send financial gifts to every charitable cause, is the hope the holiday season will provide support for the unmet needs of many nonprofit agencies. This community has a long history of identifying its needs. This community cares.
We were trying to put our arms around this season of good will, sharing and giving with hope for the future, freedom and peace.
Moving right along, sounds of holiday tunes began to bring back childhood memories of anticipation, wonder and joy.
Other songs found our reminiscing about loved ones no longer with us at the Thanksgiving table, but deeply rooted in our hearts and minds.
And our thoughts turned to the New Year, perhaps too soon. Then again, maybe not since this is the season of gift-giving.
Every month our city’s calendar is plentiful with fundraising opportunities to learn and lend support to a plethora of social services via social events.
Everybody is welcome to attend the public events that come with the price of a reservation.
If you’re coming up short on holiday ideas for gifts for individuals who appear to have everything, perhaps consider giving the gift of an experience to one the local benefits.
Give a pair of tickets to the Little Friends Gala in March or the Hesed House Kentucky Derby in May. Or select from one of the many walks along the Riverwalk during the spring, summer or fall. Or choose a foursome of golf during the local charity golf outing season that swings into action with St. Patrick’s Residence in May.
If your family stays in Naperville for St. Patrick’s Day in March, give a family of tickets to the Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy’s Day 5K. If you’re here for Thanksgiving, give tickets to the Noon Lions Club Turkey Trot 5K.
Let us also note that one of many good things about the Naperville social scene is that individuals are welcome, too. Event planners are accommodating about making seating arrangements for one or up to 10 guests at every table.
Many of the events also offer silent and live auctions if tangible gifts still are your desire.
What’s more, you or your business might want to put your name as a sponsor of an event. Others simply may want to give privately and generously.
As we try to put the finishing touches on 2017, again we’re reminded of the folks who continually remind us to find unity in community and to focus on the challenges that unite us.
My 94-year-old dad mentioned recently some sage advice given to him by his bridge partner many years ago. They’d play bridge, share trials and tribulations of family, seek solutions, and offer advice. Mr. Marion surmised that if we all put three of our most challenging problems in the center of the street where we could pick any three with which to deal, more than likely we’d pick the three challenges we submitted in the first place.
The holidays especially remind us of the special gifts that come with simple acts of kindness.
The best gifts come from the heart to share with folks faithful to their families and friends. Enjoy the season of giving with simple pleasures, comfort and joy.
We’ll end this commentary the way we have for many years. Peace to all children, women and men of good will.
And as always, thanks for reading Positively Naperville.
– Stephanie Penick,
Editor & Publisher
