One of the points of pride we have as a newspaper is that we really do exist to serve our community. Bringing readers local news is Job No. 1, of course, but we do feel a responsibility beyond that.
Perhaps the most tangible example of what that means to us has been our decades-long commitment to our Give A Christmas program, which starts today, Sunday. Our previous owners, the Calkins family, started the program 61 years ago at the Bucks County Courier Times. They brought it to the Burlington County Times 51 years ago and to The Intelligencer in Doylestown 31 years ago. Last year, our generous readers surpassed the $10 million mark in funds raised, including more than $300,000 last year.
The newspapers changed ownership to GateHouse Media in 2017, but the commitment to Give A Christmas has not changed. All proceeds go into the distribution funds. Any overhead costs are absorbed by the BCT, Courier Times and Intelligencer and their charitable partners.
Locally, the BCT and Willingboro Rotary Club work together to collect and distribute donations to assist struggling local families. Readers historically have supported the Give A Christmas fund with heartfelt generosity, but for the past few years requests for need have been greater than the amount raised.
After collecting $68,639 at the BCT last year, we set a goal for 2018 of $70,000. That will add on to the more than $3 million that BCT readers have donated through the years — a big number for which this community should be extraordinarily proud.
Burlington County residents with children age 17 and younger are eligible to be considered for assistance. Requests must be made by parents or legal guardians and include the names and ages of their children. Readers can find information to submit requests and give donations at our website, burlingtoncountynews.com/giveachristmas, or find information daily in our Community section.
Last year, more than 2,000 county children benefited from the program, mostly from modest to large donations from readers. Every dollar counts and is important. We honor those who donate by recognizing them in our newspapers, publishing almost-daily lists. Over and over, when needs come up, residents show their generosity through their wallets.
Sometimes, Give A Christmas proceeds provide a gift for kids who might not get one. Other times, it helps pay the utility or food bill. And it’s not just about Christmas. It helps anyone in need, regardless of their faith or politics.
We live in a remarkable area and are so fortunate to be as blessed as we are. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunities or resources, and often people get in a bind through no fault of their own.
So as you’re considering your holiday charity giving this season, we ask you to donate to Give A Christmas. Every little bit helps — we’ve received everything from $1 to thousands of dollars, and each benefits someone. Have a great holiday season, and I hope the gift of giving is in your plans.
Shane Fitzgerald is executive editor of the Burlington County Times, Bucks County Courier Times and Doylestown Intelligencer. Email: sfitzgerald@thebct.com. Twitter: @sfitzg5.