Editorial: Making timely donations

Monday, Dec. 24, 2007 | 6:55 a.m.

Stories of people's generosity are common this time of year.

For example, when thieves stole six bags of Christmas toys destined for Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City this month, the community responded by sending money and toys that more than replaced what had been taken.

In Pennsylvania, a veteran who said he remained grateful for the free coffee and doughnuts he received from the Salvation Army during World War II gave a $10,000 check to a Salvation Army bell-ringing volunteer.

And in Ohio, an anonymous donor dropped a gold coin worth $800 into one of the charity's trademark red kettles.

Virtually every community in the United States has such a tale to tell, and those who give so generously are to be commended. But giving isn't always about money. Our nation is blessed with millions of people whose gifts are that of time and tireless effort.

Take the Salvation Army bell-ringer into whose kettle the anonymous donor dropped the gold coin. News reports say that collections by bell-ringing volunteer Don Schneider are typically some of the Columbus area's biggest because he stands out there hour after hour, day after day. Schneider has logged more than 1,000 bell-ringing hours over the past four Christmas seasons.

That's a lot of cold feet and hot chocolate. But such effort doesn't happen only during the holidays or only in other states.

Thousands of Nevadans give their time and skills in our communities all during the year.

They pick up trash in our valley's open spaces. They work as foster grandparents and senior companions. They give freely of their expertise in such specialties as tax preparation, legal assistance and dental care.

They collect winter coats, blankets and food for those who have none. They tutor children and adults in our classrooms, read books aloud to the blind and do countless other important tasks that add up to so much.

A national report on volunteerism in America released this year says the work provided by 320,000 Nevada volunteers last year represented nearly $800 million worth of free services.

The "Volunteering in America" report produced by the Corp. for National and Community Service also ranked Nevada last nationally in terms of the number of volunteers and hours. Certainly, more of us could, and should, give of our time. That is something to which residents can aspire in 2008.

But that does not detract from the selfless efforts of those who already work hard - and for free - throughout our communities.

Their generosity is an example we all should strive to follow. And to them, we offer a heartfelt thank you.