Letter to the Editor / GIVING

By Roger C. Kostmayer

Sometimes the worst catastrophes – like war, hurricanes and pandemics – bring out the best among us, and they become role models.  This is especially true in small, wonderfully diverse communities that believe we are all one human family.

It is impressive to watch friends modestly and without fanfare focus on giving to others.  They are thoughtful and give their time, energy, support and love.  These are friends and strangers who simply do it, or “volunteer” and respond to human needs without thought of reward or gain.  They protect the needy and the vulnerable on their own or with others who organize their efforts.  Just a few of the latter are called ACLU, The League of Women Voters, SOS food distribution, Smaller, Safer Cruise Ships, The Studios of KW, and dozens of non-profits that deserve recognition.  I wish it was possible to name all those individuals, young and old, who quietly reach out in large and small ways to meet a human or community need.  And it should inspire all of us to do some of the same.  And, perhaps our society should be less about getting, and more about giving.

One amusing example is an energetic KW woman, an artist in her 70’s, who seems to be cheerfully doing an unusual amount of this activity without a second thought.  Apparently, she’s volunteering with SOS to help feed the hungry; helping a dear friend paint a fence; helping improve our environment and quality of life by enabling KW voters to determine if they want smaller, safer cruise ships; staying close to friends & family by walking miles a day and by zooming – while always respecting social distancing and masks; and she goes out of her way to support local businesses, restaurants and our local food chain, while working every day.  (I know, I wouldn’t believe it either if she wasn’t my wife and role model.)

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