By HDN Staff
Christmas in Havre is the season of giving. Friends and families who exchange gifts, and those who know the true meaning of Christmas, are the people who give to less fortunate people. Thankfully, Havre is known for its residents' generosity traditionally displayed during the holidays.
The signs of Christmas charity are all around us. Churches, service clubs, fraternal organizations, students, teachers, employers, employees, merchants, shoppers, for the most part all anonymous donors who open their pantries and wallets to share with the less fortunate. What all of these individuals and groups have in common is that they give the most precious gift of all during Christmas -- their time.
Lt. Will Ware and his staff at Havre's Salvation Army know full well the generosity of Havre's citizenry during this season. The Salvation Army and similar charities plan for months ahead of time, and then race from point to point gathering gifts from Hi-Line residents during this too short season. Knowing all too well in order to best serve the needs of Havre's less fortunate it is imperative the organizations take full benefit of this season of giving. Because as swift as their pantries fill up during the Holidays, they empty just as rapidly after the season comes to an end.
Every year the holidays come and go and along with them the spirit of giving that all too many of us feel only at Christmas, however, the needs of the Hi-Line's impoverished know no season.
We believe too many of us fail to consider our neighbors in need who require help year around. Now we're not advocating extending the holidays, at least the exchanging fruit cake part. Once a year is more than enough of that. However, more of us should model ourselves after those caring individuals who not only give at the holidays, but continue giving throughout the year.
They know that putting others before self is the true meaning of Christmas no matter if the calender is turned to December or July.
