OUR VIEW: Still time to make a difference this season

• OUR VIEW

OUR VIEW

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There is still time. Yes, indeed, those who want to make a difference this Christmas still can.

We suspect there still is time to ring a Salvation Army bell in front of a local business. There’s still a chance to donate money toward the numerous charities that help bring gifts to less-fortunate children. It’s entirely possible that there are free holiday meals in the works that could use a donation, or better yet, a helping hand.

What have you done this Christmas to make life a little better for others?

We always are suckers for a good holiday story, and one was published in Monday’s edition of The Daily Republic.

The strange but wonderful phenomenon of paying off others’ layaway bills has made an appearance here in Mitchell. We first read about it in national news, and sure enough, it happened at the local Kmart late last week.

Dubbed “Pay It Forward,” it is based on philanthropists going to retail stores and asking to pay off a person’s layaway bill — preferably one that includes toys. Generally, the donors don’t know the person whose bill is being paid, and vice versa.

Here in Mitchell, a woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, did just this. She paid off three layaway bills and left. Employees at Kmart said she “wanted to spread some holiday spirit.”

Well, she did. And we all should, whether it’s through donating to a gift program, helping with a holiday meal or spending an hour ringing a bell for the Salvation Army. Not everyone can afford it and not everybody is able to donate physical labor, but we urge those who can to consider it.

And if not this Christmas, perhaps next year.

Tags: opinion, updates, editorials, christmas, charity