Giving: The Spirit of the Holidays

"We, who have so much, must do more to help those in need. And most of all, we
must live simply, so that others may simply live."

- Ed Begley, Jr. -

With Thanksgiving only a week away, combined with a month-long discussion on poverty, I feel my heart singing bittersweet melodies. While I feel so abundantly blessed, I can't help but to be reminded of the hundreds of people in our very own community who do not know how they will pay their bills, do not know where their next meal will come from and can see nothing but darkness ahead. It is during the holidays that I, as well as the rest of our nation, seem to feel guilty about neglacting the poor, the brokenheartened, the imprisoned, the needy. In the midst of food drives, soup kitchens, coat drives and gift-giving, I stop to think how unfare it is that so many people in our own backyard must suffer year after year, only to feel a glimpse of relief one month out of the year. Now don't get me wrong, I understand that there are hundreds of reasons why people are living in poverty, and anything we as humanity can do is a blessing! We need to continue our enthusiasm for food drives, and coat drives, and unexpected gifts all year round! It just continually blows my mind that we, as America, can be one of the richest countries alive (even in an economic crisis) and sill have "third-world cities" living in our midst. I suppose that is why Ed Begley Jr's quote resognates so true within my soul. That we must live simply, so others might simply live. As I begin this holiday season, I hope to remind myself of this over and over again. What does it mean for we, as Americans, to live simply so that those people who are brokenhearted, poor, hungery, homeless, forgotten... might simply live?

Become A Bonner!

Bluefield College is one of only 75 schools in the nation that offers the AmeriCorps Bonner Leader Program. The mission of the Bonner Leader Program is to transform the lives of students and members, the life of their campuses, local communities, and the world, through service and leadership. This prestigious scholarship program is available to only FOUR students each academic year. Students who are accepted into the program will be required to complete 900 hours of community service over a two-year period. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a $2,362.50 educational award to be used toward college expenses. Not only does the program provide financial benefits, but it provides academic and leadership opportunities as well. Students who participate will begin to explore deep social issues that effect the world we live in each and every day. They will have hands-on experiences at their service sites of choice, which often times prepares them for the work-force as well. The benefits for the students and the community are endless! Join the Bonner Leader movement and become a part of something bigger than yourselves!