The following guest view by President and CEO Peggy O'Shea appeared in the Observer-Dispatch on Saturday, December 13, 2008.

 

Challenging.

Troubled.

Trying.

 

These are just some of the words that have been used in recent months – and will continued to be used in the coming year – to describe our nation’s economy. While our hope is that the market will make a speedy and full recovery, we know that this will be a long and difficult journey. The question is, what do we do in these difficult times: light a candle or curse the darkness?

 

Individuals and businesses are certainly affected by the economic downturn. However, our local not-for-profit organizations may be the hardest hit. They provide vital services to our community through health care, education and disaster services as well as preserving and celebrating our history and culture. We must not forget that not-for-profits have staff on the payroll, all of whom pay taxes and use their paychecks to purchase the goods and services that move our economy. Many of these organizations are faced with not only decreases in donations but increases in demand as more and more people face job loss and hardship.

 

We at The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties have an abiding dedication to the communities we serve. We want to make sure that especially in these times, grants continue to be made to worthy nonprofit organizations. Job loss and rising costs have pushed more people below the poverty line. More working people who are technically above the poverty line find themselves choosing whether to buy food or fuel. Our cultural institutions, which provide everything from access to books and the Internet to affordable escapes from our day-to-day pressures, are forced to limit hours of operation and programs. Fortunately, our community has a history of helping people through such trying times. The Community Foundation has been here to respond to the needs of the community since 1952 and we will continue to do so. We choose to light the candle, and we encourage everyone in the community to do the same.

 

It is more important than ever to support charitable organizations. Individually, we may not have the ability to give as Bill Gates gives, but together our charitable dollars do make a great difference. Taking care of neighbors is what a community does. We come together in difficult times and give our time and resources for the benefit of the greater good. The impact of our collective caring is immense. Donations of time, goods, services and, of course, money are all necessary and, they make all the difference.

 

I ask you to choose to light a candle. It truly is the only way to banish the darkness.