The Editor:
I’ve known Laura Vogee for many years; she pours her heart into any endeavor she undertakes. The Community Assistance Program Community Toy Store is no exception.
The flak regarding “handout versus hand-up” gifting is baseless. All shoppers (129 families) apply for a voucher that is adjusted to the family’s needs … 80 percent of these are thrilled to pay a deep discount for the items they pick out for their kids. These shoppers are also given the option of a referral to other agencies who give handouts, but they prefer to shop at CAP’s toy store.
They save sacrificially for weeks for this opportunity. If, for hardship, they cannot pay for their gifts, they are never denied the blessing of giving new gifts to their children. The proceeds from the “hand-up” gifting goes toward other worthy community services ($3,500). Shoppers who realize this feel proud for the chance to also give back to their community in a small way.
Even the Grinch, in the end, recalculated his perspective and projected “peace and goodwill to all men” and all were blessed and thankful.
To all CAP volunteers, have a wonderful year.
Jan Westhoff
Blaine
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here