OUR VIEW: Now is the time to give a donation

In these hyper-polarized times, when simple disagreement is mistaken for malice, the annual renewal of the Empty Stocking Fund campaign is especially welcome.

The 26th annual campaign, launched Tuesday evening, is a chance to escape the stifling echo-chamber debates about budgets and health care, to get outside, get some air, and practice some needed peace and goodwill toward our neighbors.

The Empty Stocking Fund provides grants to 14 local human-service agencies, which, in turn, provide direct assistance to our friends and neighbors: Food for their tables. Heat for their homes. Care for the sick and companionship to the lonely. You will read their stories each day in The Gazette, and see them on KOAA TV Channel 5, between Thanksgiving and the new year.

Give a community the chance to help others, and marvelous things happen. Colorado College students will hold their Dec. 12 Stocking Shuffle 5k run at America the Beautiful Park as an ESF benefit. More than 40 University of Colorado at Colorado Springs athletes will collect cash donations along the Festival of Lights parade route Dec. 5. Many restaurants again will hold “Fill Up for the Fund” events.

And then, their generosity will be multiplied. For every $100,000 raised, the Bruni Foundation will contribute a further $12,000. For every $3 raised, the El Pomar Foundation will donate a further $1. Many employers also match some or all of their employees’ donations.

Add Staff Inc. of Colorado Springs donates the administrative work, so every penny goes straight to these local agencies.

This year as last, the goal is to raise at least $1 million. That’s more than was raised by equivalent campaigns conducted by the Dallas Morning News and Boston Globe.

So this year, please give generously to the Empty Stocking Fund. Give not only because more people than ever need help. Give also to experience some community-building spirit, something we could use right about now.

Empty Stocking Fund Agencies:

American Red Cross, Pikes Peak Chapter
Care & Share Food Bank
Ecumenical Social Ministries
Griffith Centers for Children, Chins Up Youth & Family Services
Marian House, Catholic Charities
Northern Churches Care
Peak Vista Community Health Centers
Pikes Peak Community Action Agency
The Salvation Army
Silver Key Senior Services
Southeast Family Center Armed Services YMCA
Tri-Lakes Cares
Urban Peak
Westside CARES

Donate online at: www.fillanemptystocking.org