It Really Doesn’t Take Much
By Judy Hill
He plays the trumpet in an alley near a local gathering place. The instrument case at his feet is always open, seemingly begging like a hungry baby bird.
A few coins and bills usually lie on the worn black velvet. He may salt the case himself, but I doubt it. So I usually add something to the collection as do some others who walk by.
He’s a street musician – a Vietnam vet, I believe, who has probably been down on his luck for decades.
He doesn’t beg. He performs for a living. He says thanks to those who contribute and an honest, not sarcastic, “Have a nice evening,” to those who don’t.
Recently, he’s been living in a shelter. But even at that he’s having a hard time. Fewer people walking by; fewer coins and bills tossed his way.
“It’s bad out here,” he said the other night.
“Gettin’ worse, too.”
I nod. It is bad. And, yes, getting worse.
Not long ago I drove down Gandy Boulevard on my way to Sam’s Club on Dale Mabry. On this particular route it isn’t unusual to see street-worn beggars standing near corners with homemade cardboard signs that promise “Will work for food.”
But that day a clean-cut young man stood near the Dunkin’ Donuts with a sign that said: “This is no scam. I really need a job.”
Similar scenes are playing out not just around the Tampa Bay area but the entire United States.
With the meltdown on Wall Street, layoffs becoming endemic, banks closing, mortgage foreclosures on the rise it isn’t surprising that daily newspapers and television news broadcasts are all reporting that need is up at area charities – and donations are down.
When I wrote columns at The Tampa Tribune I often profiled people down on their luck. Desperation and need was particularly poignant at this time of year when hope – or lack of it – shadowed a time celebrated as one of thanks and renewal.
I miss being able to do that, particularly this year.
Charities have seen demand grow and donations wane for a number of years. But 2008 presents a holiday season that may rival the worst in generations. Shelters are full, the shelves at area food banks are nearly empty, the working poor are even poorer and people formerly referred to as middle-class are signing up to get food for a holiday meal and toys for their kids.
So …
Thanks to the Davis Islands Community News, I can do what I did so many times at the Tribune and that’s to remind us all that there are an enormous number of folks in need.
While generosity ought to be practiced year around, it’s especially important now.
So skip a latte, take lunch to work one day, buy one less home delivered pizza, pare down your gift list and give to those really in need.
Even if you have even a few extra dollars make a donation to a local charity. It doesn’t take much. As a reader reminded me many years ago, 100 people giving $1 each feeds a lot of hungry neighbors.
It won’t take you long to find a worthy cause, either. The Salvation Army bell-ringers are out; Metropolitan Ministries can always use help; Toys for Tots and Sincerely, Santa are gearing up. Plus, many area community organizations, civic clubs and churches have outreach programs that you might prefer to support.
Just open your heart – and your wallet.
Reach out and help.
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