Opinion
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Making a small difference, could mean a big difference
Here I go again. As many times as I am told that this county is drug and crime ridden, I know better. Not that I don’t think we have our fair share of crime, we do.
I have been involved in this community for a number of years. I have always said, “I love Cedar Creek Lake.” If you have the chance, get involved with the local civic organizations. You’ll see a different side to the lake area.
For the past five years the Cedar Creek Lake Rotary Club has sponsored the ‘Klothes for Kids.’ The purpose of ‘Klothes for Kids’ is to provide winter clothing for those in need. Mabank ISD provides the children they believe have the biggest need. They always pick the right kids.
This project was developed a few years ago. The first year it was a joint project between Cedar Creek Lake Rotary and Rotary International. Starting the second year the Cedar Creek Lake Rotary Club has funded the project completely.
The Rotary only has two fundraisers a year, Celebrity Waiter and a golf tournament. The proceeds from these two fundraisers are used for projects such as ‘Klothes for Kids.’
Believe me, the Rotary could not do this by themselves. The club purchases clothing for 44 children each year. The Rotary gets the word out that they need help shopping with these children. It has never failed; people from all over the lake area show up to help.
The Rotary and other organizations do a tremendous job supporting our youth. I have seen coat drives, shoe drives, Toys for Tots, book give-a-ways to local school children, college scholarships and many more great projects.
The ‘Klothes for Kids’ tops them all. The difference is…you take these children into Wal-Mart and they get to pick out the clothing they feel comfortable wearing. Each child can spend $115. Depending on the age of the child, you can get a lot for $115. These kids are so excited. If you ever have the chance, show up for this event. It’s great to watch these kids.
I talked to a number of the volunteers this year and the sentiment was always the same, “this is wonderful for these children.” Everyone wants to tell you a story about their kid. They always go away with the feeling of having made a difference in a small child’s life. Not a big difference, but a difference.
If you think your community doesn’t care, ‘Get involved.’
It’s easy to see all the bad things in life, try looking for the good things.
Working for the Cedar Creek Pilot I tend to hear a lot of the negative news about the lake area. When I start feeling disillusioned, here comes ‘Klothes for Kids.’ And I see all the great people who care enough to show up at Wal-Mart at 9a.m. Because of these volunteers the ‘Klothes for Kids.’ project has been a success each year. And the Rotary is more than thankful for all their help.
The holiday season is fast approaching. The area has a number of organizations that will be helping the less privileged. Contact the Family Resource Center to find out how you can help. It doesn’t always take money. They may need some volunteers to help organize their projects.
Instead of complaining, lets all do our part. It doesn’t take much effort to make that small difference, if only for a short time.
Kathi Nailling is the General Manager of the Cedar Creek Pilot.
E-mail generalmanager@cedarcreekpilot.com
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