In this day and age it’s all too easy to get swept up and carried away by things in the virtual world; by work, by a packed schedule with your kids or grandkids.  We end up going through the motions of life and not actually experiencing it to the fullest.  Sometimes though it takes the smallest thing to remind you of what’s important.

This weekend, for me that thing was _ believe it or not _  a yard sale.

I had read on East Ridge News Online on Friday that a yard sale was being held on Saturday with the proceeds going to benefit the Needy Child Fund.  Upon reading the article I immediately decided that the next morning I would go and show my support.  This is a local cause that I gladly support because I’ve seen the great work they do.

Each year the Needy Child Fund is responsible for making sure that needy children in East Ridge experience the pure and simple joy  of opening a Christmas Present on Christmas Day.  Not only that, but I’ve been told that if they see a family without a tree they make sure they get one.

To me there is no other cause that demonstrates pure love like this one.  

I’ve been told many of these kids are humble, sweet children, who when asked what they want for Christmas will reply with items such as a teddy bear, a book, or a box of cereal, if it’s not too much. Kids that have simple wants and are not corrupted by the greed that has wrapped up and sucked in so many others.  Many of these children have stories that could make tender hearts weep and icy hearts thaw.

You would think that in the United States of America making sure children have plenty of food or some small gift on Christmas morning isn’t a problem we really have… and yet it is.  There are lots of kids, who without the blessing of a group like the Needy Child Fund, would wake up to find the space under the Christmas tree bare.

Upon arriving at the sale I met up with Fire Chief Mike Williams who told me they had a steady stream of business.  He also told me the touching story of how others in our community – when they heard the Needy Child Fund was having a yard sale to raise money – began donating items en mass.  Stump Martin, the city’s parks and recreation director, had donated a pile of athletic jerseys that any child would be glad to have.  Others had simply come by with vehicles full of items and dropped them off to help contribute to the cause.

When I heard of the generosity shown by my friends and neighbors I couldn’t help but be so proud to call East Ridge home.

This community is full of generous people who will give selflessly to wonderful causes such as the Needy Child Fund.  They will help you when you clean up from a storm, watch your house when you’re out of town, help return your lost pet, or simply return a wave and warm smile as you drive down the street.

East Ridge is a wonderful community to call home and an excellent place to raise a family.  I have each and every one of you to thank for it.  For all of us in our own little way help to turn this bustling city into a community everyone should be proud to be a part of.