Charity needs to begin at home in Tarrant
by Paul D. Matson, sports editor

    The events of Sept. 11 were the most tragic and horrific in the history of the United States, and Americans opened their hearts as well as their pocket books to help send aid to those affected.

    Citizens rolled up their sleeves and donated such quantities of blood that blood banks ran out of storage space.

    This outpouring of humanitarian aid was wonderful. When Americans are down and out, the rest of us unselfishly give till it hurts.

    But there is a new problem: local charities are in the worst financial trouble many have ever seen.

    Meals on Wheels delivers almost 2,000 hot meals, a day, locally.

    Unfortunately, since the tragedy, donations to Meals on Wheels have fallen by 75 percent. As colder weather gets closer, the need for a hot, nutritious meal becomes more important for the elderly and those who cannot get their own meals.

    The economy was showing signs of softening before the attacks and may now be headed for a full-blown recession.

    In these uncertain times, people are confused, fearing for their economic well-being as well as their safety.

    Many corporations are downsizing, and people with substantial incomes have been laid off and forced to ask for aid, only to find the charity cupboard bare.

    Some households have been forced to seek financial assistance just to keep utilities from being disconnected.

    Area shelters are seeing an increasing number of people in need, with some shelters turning away women and children. For the first time in their history, some of these shelters are forced to close their doors because of lack of space.

    This current demand paints a bleak picture as winter nears.

    The outpouring of contributions to the Red Cross and numerous other worthy national charities is admirable, but with colder weather and the holidays quickly approaching, now is the time to help those in need in our own area.

    It is time to organize benefits and concentrate charitable donations for the local soup kitchens, night shelters and social service agencies.

    If contributions don’t pick up, many area non-profit agencies fear they will be forced to reduce even more programs in the coming weeks.

    People who can help should be reminded to make sure their contributions stay on the local level.

    Americans have always been willing to help. Now is the time to help our neighbors.