This is the season for giving

Now you think you have me pegged for sure. You think you know that the old girl has finally fallen off her rocker. Everyone knows that October is not the season for giving. That comes later, in December. October is the season for relaxing in the sun and watching the leaves change colors. The giving can come later.

But you haven't been opening my mail, or my e-mails. In the past week I have been solicited 37 times for donations. Everything from the University of Missouri Fine Arts Department (where I will want other young people to enjoy the great experiences I had as a student there) to individual politicians who are running for office (my $15 may make the difference in the election) are entities that want just a little of my money.

The Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. wants to repair the fine buildings I attended a few years ago. A few decades is a more accurate figure. The U.S. Olympic athletes need help to continue their training. Children with Autism might be cured if more donations enabled more research. The March of Dimes is counting on my continued support of their work. And of course we can't overlook the appeal from UNICEF at this time of the year.

The American Legion would like some help from me, and the Audubon Society knows that my love of nature will cause me to support their work financially. Locally the United Way is having their drive for donations, and KRPS hopes I will give in advance of their annual solicitation to allow for matching funds during their drive.

St. Judes and the Shriner's Hospital both give excellent medical care for children and they know that I will want to be a part of their work. Along medical lines there are also other appeals such as the American Cancer Research, Heart Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Research, Cystic Fibrosis, and some others I can't remember how to spell correctly.

Of course, my church wants my tithe paid regularly, I can be counted on for donations to the Boy Scouts of America and I always buy Girl Scout cookies when that time comes around.

Some organizations I belong to, such as American Association of University Women and United Methodist Women have special needs they are supporting, and everyone wants to help with those who were affected by the recent natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes.

The only trouble with all of these worthy requests is that I also have other things requesting my meager funds. Woods Supermarket frowns upon letting me take groceries home without paying for them. The bank feels that enjoying my car requires some up-front money given to them. And even if gas is a little cheaper right now, the gas stations wants me to either give them some cash or a credit card. The end of the month looms regularly and then those credit cards need to be paid, plus all the fun things such as heating oil, electricity and water. Oh yes, I forgot to mention the IRS seems to want something also.

I know we are in the middle of a national and international economic crisis, and I wonder if everyone gets as many legitimate requests for donations as I do, how any of these agencies can exist. I know they need my help, but I'm not sure they can all depend on me.

I may be asking for donations for my own charity -- the Carolyn Gray Thornton Support Fund. Any donation will help.