Lending a Hand

A couple of weeks ago, I was in church listening to Dave Roberts address the congregation. A portion of his presentation centered on the struggles that many, including some in the Crescenta Valley, are facing. Whether it’s a problem with money, loneliness or some other challenge, you don’t have to look too far to find someone in need.

With the exorbitant amount we pay in taxes, for gas, food and other necessities, it doesn’t take much of an imagination to understand how some are having trouble making ends meet. Contrary to what some may believe – that none of us in the foothills have any financial challenges – the truth is that lean times have hit us in the Crescenta Valley like everywhere else.

What I took from Dave’s message is that we need to help each other out … pretty simple until you try and figure exactly how to do that. After all, it’s not like we’re wearing a T-shirt with the words, “I Didn’t Have Enough To Eat Last Night” emblazoned on the front.

So how do we help those who need it?

First, determine what your own comfort zone is – do you feel comfortable working with kids? The Fire House Youth Center is open Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings and usually needs help flipping pancakes or supplying dinner.

Maybe you have a desire to help older folks? Look around your neighborhood. Pay attention to your neighbors – has anyone lost a mate and is now alone? Help can be as simple as stopping by and making sure they’re okay or bringing dinner over. Or maybe you can carve some time out from your schedule to regularly visit one of the local nursing homes. It’s heartbreaking to consider those who have lived a full life but now have no one stop by.

Perhaps you prefer lending a hand from a distance. Though lacking the personal touch, the financial assistance that you can provide may be the difference between someone having a full stomach or going to bed hungry.

The important thing is to be aware that there are needs here in our community that you can most likely mitigate.

Throughout the paper over the next few weeks you’ll see some gentle reminders that help is needed locally. I hope you take the hint and figure how you can positively affect someone’s life.

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And speaking of those positively affecting a life, or the life of the community overall, the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce will be holding its recognition banquet later this month.

From local citizens being named man and woman of the year to safety personnel who have gone beyond the call of duty, the banquet recognizes those who have improved the quality of life here in the Crescenta Valley.

The banquet is being held this year at the La Cañada Country Club on Oct. 25. You can bet that the room will be filled with outstanding folks who either have a story of how they or their business have made a difference in our community or folks who want to support the awardees.

To learn who have garnered the honors this year, see Julia Rabago’s article on page 22.

And if possible, I encourage you to plan to attend the festivities on Oct. 25. You will leave with an appreciation of those who also call the Crescenta Valley home.

  robin goldsworthy