A Holiday Message From Steve Cyrkin

There's someone living near you with no money, no family...none that care, at least, who could really use a little kindness this holiday season. And for about $20 you can make them smile.

Only you can do it...because they're the forgotten. The forgotten elderly and infirm living in care facilities on government assistance.

If you don't remember them, no one will.

My sister Debbi brought them to our family's attention. The last few years, our Hanukkah celebrations have been centered on Toys for Tots. Debbi and my other sister, Shari, came up with the wonderful idea of wrapping up toys to give to each other. There aren't any young kids in our family anymore, so we have a blast unwrapping the amazing toys they make today, which they then take to donation centers in the county.

This year Debbi suggested we buy a couple less toys and give gifts to our otherwise forgotten seniors. She called a local care home, and they were thrilled. They said that many of their residents badly needed warm house clothes, like sleepwear, robes, sweaters and slippers—ones with non-slip soles. They gave Debbi the sizes and needs of six residents, one for each of us.

I bought a soft set of sweats and a pair of slippers for less than $25 at Target. Everyone else filled their requests for that amount or less. Then Debbi dropped them off at the care home to be put under the tree for Christmas morning.

It doesn't take much to make someone happy.

Times are tough, but if you can swing it, please show these seniors they haven't been forgotten. Call a care home, find out what they need, and give them a gift for under the tree.

They'll thank you for thinking of them all next year.

With my warmest wishes this holiday season,

Steve

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Comment by James R. Altmann on December 20, 2010 at 1:19am: Great idea Steve. I'm going to call my local adult care center tomorrow. We all need to remind each other of the simple things sometimes and I am glad you did just that. Luck to all this holiday season.

Comment by john reznikoff on December 20, 2010 at 12:28pm: I am in! Great idea

Comment by Barry S on December 20, 2010 at 1:09pm: Beautiful idea Steve! My 6yr old's class visited a home 2 months ago. Nothing more sad than to see someone in there, that has no family left and nobody ever comes to visit them. We made 60 gift bags with candy, soap, shampoo, puzzle books, and a hand made ornament by my 6 and 3 year old. We never would have thought to do this if not for my sons class going. Great idea Debbi!

Comment by Brandon Mysinger on December 21, 2010 at 6:43am: Taking care of Seniors is something my Church is strongly focused on. It's value is priceless! However, don't forget about children either.

It's equally important to help children who don't have jackets, gloves, good shoes, warm clothes, food...and yes..TOYS!

There are many ways you can donate and if any of you feel as I do, it is our duty to help protect the young and elderly.

Let's be honest and brave citizens and take care of our own people before we provide aid to other countries. There are starving people in every city, town, and county of this Nation. This is something where every little bit can truly help.

Comment by DB on December 26, 2010 at 4:11pm: Steve, most excellent... have been doing something similar for along time as well as my favorite USMC toys for tots (remember the teenagers as well)!

Comment by steven foster mills on December 29, 2010 at 11:28am: What a Wonderfull Message to give out. Bless you Steve and your Family and Happy New Years ! With mw being in a small town in the South. We also have our share of so many people doing with out. This goes all year round also. The Blessing is to help anyone you can, when you can afford it. It really dont take much to help make someone or a family in need to make them - Happy. We have seen it jump from 700 people at the food banksin 2009. To almost 2000 every month needing food and help. No matter what you Belive or Religon you come from . It's about People Helping People. God Be with us All !

Comment by Rick Badwey on January 2, 2011 at 5:15am: We just got back from Mississippi and my in laws gave us a great gift - They bought us (about 12 of us) brand new jackets and other clothing......however, they took them to Goodwill to be distributed to the needy.

We fail to count our blessings and realize that while we complain about little things, there are those who don't know where they will get their next meal, or do with the little they have.