LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Support local causes this holiday season ...

If you’re looking to enjoy the holidays, you’re not alone. Across the Columbia Basin, people will be baking turkeys, holiday shopping, decorating their homes, and reminding children to behave or they’ll get coal in a stocking.  

Looking at the state of our area, though, while some of us are doing well, the economy still has challenges for some. On the downside, grocery, fuel and many other costs – let's not get into how I feel about my car insurance going up recently – are on the rise. On the plus side, there are loads of local organizations working to lift up those in need and ensure they have not only necessities, but can enjoy holiday traditions as well.  

In Moses Lake, 8-year-old Weston Wesselman is gathering food to help children in need eat. At food banks throughout the region, volunteers and staff are working extra hard to take care of people as SNAP issues and grocery costs lead to an increased demand for nutrition services. Folks at the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation are working to support those fighting for their lives. KidsHope and NewHope are churning away trying to ensure families heal and thrive. The Columbia Basin Foundation is working to help fund as many worthy projects as they can while hosting their own holiday events.  

I know times are tough for some of us. There are a few points in everyone’s budget these days that we wish weren’t so red. But if you’re able, I would encourage you to volunteer or donate locally to help your neighbors right here in the Columbia Basin have a better holiday season than they otherwise might. Helping local organizations is its own reward because your neighbors and community thrive, and you get to see them doing so because they’re right here where you live.  

Putting my money where my mouth is, I donated to New Hope as I was writing this column. I invite you to join me, whether that’s a donation to them or any of the other nonprofits in our area. A few cans of food at the food bank or an hour or two walking dogs at an animal shelter go a long way toward building a stronger community.  

To the folks who work at those organizations, I want you to know how much respect and admiration I have for you and the work you do. Watching people struggle each day but never ceasing to try to lift them up requires an immense amount of gumption, and I don’t think you’re told often enough how proud of you the community is. Without you, we’re less than we would otherwise be.  

My favorite holiday, Halloween, just passed. Now, though, I’m looking forward to my second favorite – Thanksgiving. Turkey and stuffing never make for a bad day, and word is my sister’s cooking a brisket. Who am I to turn down some brisket?  

If you’re strapped for time and cash, though, I think it’s important to note that the people who are keeping those nonprofits running could use a bit of thanks. We just expressed our appreciation for veterans Tuesday. As a veteran, I think it’s important that we acknowledge the people fighting battles against poverty, hunger, domestic violence and addiction, among many others, as well.  

So drop them a line. Send me a letter to the editor. Shake a hand in appreciation. Just one way or another, show them that their efforts aren’t unnoticed.  

May you all be blessed this holiday season and don’t forget to acknowledge those blessings as they roll in. 

In appreciation, 

R. Hans “Rob” Miller
Managing Editor
Columbia Basin Herald
Basin Business Journal