The economy is in a slump, average people are feeling nervous, scared and depressed. The nightly news doesn’t offer us many glimmers of hope. It is fortunate that this low moment in our national history comes at the joyous time of Christmas. This is the time for celebrating new opportunities and feeling optimistic about what the uncertain future holds. It is also a time to reflect on how good life has treated each of us. Yes, every one of us has experienced personal struggles and challenges, but when you look around the world, there is always someone struggling more and facing more difficult obstacles. Here at Steiner Tractor Parts, the Steiner family has given us a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community in a way that many of us would be unable to on our own. In years past, the employees had given gifts of some sort to Dave and Sue Steiner. Several years ago, they decided that they have been blessed and would prefer that we use our pooled resources to help someone less fortunate in our community. Dan and Jen Steiner have continued this generous tradition. Our charity of choice is the Salvation Army, so naturally we contacted them first. For the last several years we have been given the chance to sponsor a family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Salvation Army puts us in touch with the family and we provide their Thanksgiving and Christmas meals as well as Christmas presents for the whole family. This year, we teamed up with Toys for Tots to allow our family easy access to be able to choose their own presents and also to increase the purchase power of every dollar donated by Steiner Tractor employees.
Recently, I’ve been asked why I choose to give and especially at a time that everyone is facing their own financial struggles. I find that I have many more reasons to give than not to give. Our nation is only as strong as its weakest link and that means that we need to offer a hand up to our fellow citizens that are struggling. Of course, I also think of the children, especially at Christmas. Every child should be able to feel the joys of Christmas morning. No child chooses poverty and no child deserves poverty. Also, it is good for our bodies, minds and souls to do something selfless as often as possible.
I hope that as the holiday season grows nearer, each of you will consider doing a good deed for your fellow man. Maybe that will be in the way of a donation at a Red Kettle or your charity of choice, or maybe you will selflessly donate your time to a cause that is important to you. All of us here at Steiner Tractor Parts wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Feel free to share your favorite charities or your inspiring stories of giving by leaving a comment. We would love to hear about the enormous generosity of our readers and customers!
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