12/17/2024
One thing we hear a LOT, completely unprompted, is "I really wish I could help, but I just wouldn't be able to do much right now."
First of all, let's be clear, it's a genuine, heartfelt comment. It's not an excuse; it's the reality we live in. A dollar just doesn't go as far today, and a sole dollar doesn't look like much in the middle of a disaster zone. A like or a share doesn't feel like much of an effort. Telling a friend about a relief project isn't the same as delivering a truckload of supplies the day after a storm.
What you don't realize is that's true for all of us. In fact, that's the reason organizations like ours exist. If any one of us could solve the problem ourselves, we would. Since we can't, we come together.
Your dollar, your share, your like, your words might not look like much from your perspective. To those devastated by disaster this winter, they mean a great deal. They mean dinner, housing, medical supplies, fuel; more than that, though, they provide hope, comfort, and brief moments of normalcy in the most chaotic of times.
This is true in your own community. You may not feed everyone in need today, but you can feed a person. You may not have the time to volunteer at your local soup kitchen, but you can drop off some groceries. You may not be able to carry their burden, but you can listen.
We spend a lot of time raising money for programs and special projects and collecting supplies, but today I wanted to take a moment to share a personal message from one would be hero to another. You have value. The people you want to help have value. That means everything you do matters. Every dollar, every penny, every click, every word, every second. It all matters. We matter together.
That's why we do what we do. So, the next time you feel like you can't impact change, remember that. We all have value and, together, we are the only thing that can change things.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from all of us here at LCER.
Brent DeRidder
Founder and Chair, Liberty Coalition for Emergency Relief
Call now to connect with business.