Every Dollar Counts
Monday December 23, 2019 | Filed under:
During this special time of year, I always think of the many ways I benefited from charitable people and agencies as a child.
I remember when my disabled mom caught a ride with a neighbor into Columbus, Indiana, to file for welfare. Her pride was less important than her son. She let me open the first check: $12. Next was my first visit to a dentist. (My Medicaid-paid fillings remain intact.) We shopped with food stamps and ate better than ever. Holiday gifts for mom’s little boy were delivered by firemen.
Here at ASI, giving is a tradition and our employees help those in need all year long, donating goods like school supplies and warm winter coats and thousands in cash to charities like the Red Cross, along with United Way payroll deductions.
This December, I’m proud to say, ASI employees raised over $9,000 – a record for us! – during our annual holiday gift drive to purchase toys and other gifts for families living in, or recently departed from, a local homeless shelter.
Our final fundraiser of 2019, the 14th annual Photos with Santa, raised $1,810, which includes a matching donation from the Norman Cohn family. The money helps the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia provide housing for families with sick children in area hospitals.
I’m also heartened by the continued generosity of the promotional products industry. During ASI’s recent Power Summit, good-natured industry celebs helped us raise an amazing $8,500 during a human Whack-A-Mole game that benefited a local charity called Shelter to Soldier, which matches emotional support dogs with U.S. veterans. The organizers were so grateful at the amount raised they cried. And when disaster strikes, so many jump in, donating supplies and money or volunteering with clean up.
Not surprisingly, the United States is the most charitable country in the world. This year, individuals will give $260 billion to charities, more than 70% of total giving. During the holiday season, many organizations receive half their annual total contributions.
So, during the next few days, as you think about the gifts you’re swapping with friends and relatives, take a moment to consider a contribution to an organization of your choice. Don’t worry about the amount. Remember, $12 gave me hope, food and a positive outlook about my future.
Here’s to a safe, happy holiday for all!