State Representative Jim Buchy
Generous Charitable Giving Brightens the Christmas Season for Everyone

It is hard to believe that another year is nearly in the books. This is certainly a fun time of year for a lot of people—especially young kids—as the anticipation of Christmas grows with each day. One of the many special things about being an American, and about being from west central Ohio in particular, is to witness just how charitable so many people are.

With the festivities, family functions, travel plans, shopping and so many other things that can make the holiday season busy and even hectic, it could be easy for people to only think about themselves. That, however, just isn’t the case. I am truly blessed to represent an area full of people who are willing to give of their fruits and labors to improve the lives of those who may be less fortunate or who may have fallen on hard times.

Donating toys to young kids can help brighten their day and can give them a Christmas that they will cherish for a long time. Even more importantly, donating items like coats, gloves or hats can bring comfort, warmth and protection from illness that some kids might not have. Places like churches, businesses and community groups are very active every year in administering these types of charity drives, events that really do make a difference.

Charity not only helps the people in need, but it also gives the people donating a great feeling that they have helped their fellow man. I know that this year will be yet another example of good people giving of themselves.

The value of shopping at area businesses also should not be overlooked. It is good for the economy and helps the employees that work at those stores, and, by extension, helps their families. We are fortunate to live in an economic system that has produced so much opportunity and prosperity that people are able and willing to give a little extra of what they have.

This is a critical part of living in a free society, and I believe that the people of west central Ohio understand this. That is why we have unemployment rates that are some of the lowest in the state, and also why our level of charitable giving is so exceptional.

I want to wish everyone in the 84th House District a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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