OK. I was going to rant a bit about our irresponsible president and his ill thought-out economic schemes. But, I don't have the energy or the time to do that now. Instead I am going to let you know about the work of one wonderful non-political organization.
I have been a Save the Children sponsor for a few years now. At the time I signed up to send in a monthly stipend to help a child somewhere, I was asked some questions about my preferences.
I could choose either a boy or a girl ... and ... I could choose whatever country or part of the world from which that child was chosen. I had no preference at the time, so the representative said that I could designate wherever there was the greatest need. That was cool.
Not long after, I received notice that the child selected for me was a boy named Jamal who lives right here in the United States, in the Mississippi Delta Region. Since then, Jamal and I exchange occasional letters.
In the craziness of December's holidays, I neglected to send a gift to Jamal or his family. My failure to do this, was one of the many things which got stored away in my giant guilt file. My plan was to send a New Year's or Valentine's gift.
It is now March, and this usual joyful task remained unaccomplished. Looking at my calendar, I remembered that Jamal's birthday is in March. At the end of this month Jamal will be 10 years old.
OK. I was given the perfect opportunity. But, what do 10 year old boys want these days? Things have changed since my boys were little. My mind was a blank. I started asking around for ideas. My feeble online search proved futile.
I asked my granddaughters.
Zoe suggested Super Hero Action figures.
Mira suggested a walkie talkie.
I talked to Mike.
He suggested a Razor Skater or skateboard.
I wasn't sure about the action figures.
Pete said "no" to the walkie-talkie. "It would need batteries!"
I couldn't remember whether we had sent him sent him a skateboard or inline skates the year before.
Last night, I talked with Matt and asked for his suggestions. He said that all the young boys in the DC area seem to like team jerseys but suggested I find out Jamal's favorite team or player before I chose one for Jamal.
This morning, I called the Southeast Area office for Save the Children and the woman I talked with was happy to help. this wonderful woman told me that she would contact Jamal's field representative immediately, and would call me back today.
A few moments ago, this lovely lady called back equipped with a whole list. I now know Jamal's clothing and shoe size, his reading level, as well as his music, game and reading preferences.
Anne also told me that Jamal's favorite team is the LA Lakers. That should be easy!
Armed with this information, I went shopping. Whether you like shopping or not, this kind of shopping is fun! I actually bought Jamal a few things. After all, I did miss Christmas. When I came home, I promptly wrapped the presents and boxed them for mailing. A quick trip to the local Post office and the package was on it's way. I am happy.
You know, it only costs $28.00 dollars a month to sponsor a child through Save the Children. Look here for what they do. You can arrange for automatic payments using your credit card. Twenty-eight dollars a month is less than one dollar a day. Most of us hardly feel it. But this money can help raise a child out of poverty and ignorance.
You can help a child, somewhere in the world, with his or her basic needs and with an education to help himself. But more than that you can let a child know that there is someone they don't even know who is thinking about them and who wants them to grow up healthy, happy and educated.
So, give yourself a gift today and help a child move out of poverty. This will make you feel good, and may also get you a great pen pal.