Help them to keep warm

Friday, December 2, 2011

It is a sad commentary on the state of our society that there are still people who can’t afford to buy warm clothing, but fortunately, we have the Brookline Lions Club coming to the rescue with its annual collection of new and handmade hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and socks through Jan 15.

If you can afford to buy some extras, or if you are one of those amazingly clever people who can actually make such things – and more power to you – please help this wonderful organization help others.

All items that are collected will go to those in need.

Collection boxes will be set up at the Post Office, the Town Hall, the library and The Front End Shop, or by contacting a member of the Lions Club. If you need items picked up, call Val at 321-7655 or Vicki at 673-1660.

In the last few years, the need for warm clothing has become, if anything, greater because of the problems in our economy and it doesn’t appear that things will get better any time soon. People really do need help and sometimes, we don’t realize it. We have our own busy lives, our own problems, our own situations with which to deal and we don’t always remember those in need.

Fortunately, organizations like the Brookline Lions Club do the remembering for us, as does the SHARE organization in Milford, which also serves people in Brookline. Without them, a lot of people would go without.

Isn’t it amazing that in the United States of 2011 – almost 2012 – people are still hungry and cold? Yet the top 1 percent in our nation in terms of wealth have made more money in the last decade than have the rest of us as if the old saw “The rich get richer” really is true.

Wait: It is. Between 1979 and 2007, according to the Washington Post, the top 1 percent of Americans, in terms of income, garnered 38.7 percent of the income growth. The top 10 percent grabbed off 63.7 percent of that growth. Bet they have warm mittens.

Well, those who don’t can, too, if people help the Lions in their mission to help others. So do what you can: Knit some mittens – if you are fortunate enough to be so skilled – or buy a pair and donate them.

You’ll feel good. And the people who get them will feel a little warmer.