March 28, 2010

Charity begins at home

There is a class of people who have been taught that the government will provide for them. They have come to expect this and will vote for any politician who promises advancement of entitlement programs without thinking of how these programs get funded. These people, in low economic brackets, tend to stay in low economic brackets -- money brought in goes for bling, not savings. If a neighbor gets ill or if there is a national catastrophe, these people are not known for their charity. If you look at another demographic -- conservative and fiscally responsible people, self-reliance and savings are second nature and charity is a given. A perfect example of the latter from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
VFW fundraiser replaces stolen $11K
After being vandalized earlier this week, the Acworth Veterans of Foreign Wars post has bounced back.

Thieves stole nearly $11,000 during a Sunday night burglary. But, Saturday afternoon, the group was shocked to realize that a one-day fundraiser on Friday resulted in nearly $13,000 in donations. And the amount is climbing.

Dawn Williams, junior vice president of the Woman�s Auxiliary, said the response has been beyond belief.

�There has been a steady flow of people. It has been an awesome turnout,� she said. �We could have never expected such an outcome.�

They have received close to $4,000 in food donations and are looking at receiving well over $18,000 when they are done. Another fundraiser is expected on Tuesday in the form of a carwash being held by Simonize Car Wash.

The money was taken from VFW Post 5408 on Cobb Parkway, just north of Acworth. A large portion had been collected to buy gift packages for overseas troops. The thieves broke into two safes and vandalized an ATM, according to post officials.

Friday�s fundraiser was put on by the post's Ladies Auxiliary. They held a barbecue from 1 p.m. until midnight with live music, food and an auction.

Williams has one message for the community, �Thanks!�

�We never dreamed of such an outcome,� she said. �We want to make sure we let the community know just how appreciative we are for all of their support.�
The AJC is a very progressive newspaper so it is no surprise that they have in the lede that: After being vandalized earlier this week. They weren't vandalized, thieves broke in and robbed them. Stole over ten thousand dollars. The Felony Theft level in Georgia is $300 so we are talking a major felony here. Nice to see that Charity is still alive and that the community can come together and rally for a group that has suffered a catastrophe. Posted by DaveH at March 28, 2010 12:00 PM