Right now, on Long Island, in New York City and in New Jersey, it's getting cold and thousands remain homeless and struggling. They missed Halloween and can't look forward to the cozy holidays we will be enjoying in our warm, dry homes. They have lost everything.
Meanwhile, people are about to spend tons of money buying gifts for people who already have everything they need. Some of those people are going to be spending money on me. How can I possibly accept gifts to pile on my mountain of stuff when my neighbors have lost everything?
I can't. This year, I am requesting in lieu of any holiday gifts that any money that would have been spent should go toward a donation to assist the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Imagine if lots of people made the same request. We could help. And it would be so easy.
Perhaps this resonates with you. If so, please consider replacing your holiday gift list with a request that your friends and family donate to disaster relief.
It's early in the gift-giving season, but I wanted to share these thoughts now because compassion has a short half-life and our gift buying occurs reflexively.
If we stop and think, we can use this as an opportunity to give rather than receive. Actually, it's easier than that. We are choosing not to get more stuff so the people who have lost everything can be helped.
MICHELLE MARKS
Glenmont
