Christmas for All in 34th year is unlike first 33

For those of you reading the daily stories of local people seeking help from Press Christmas for All, perhaps you’ve seen a difference this year.

The tales of woe and hopelessness plucking at heartstrings connected to purse strings are gone. In their place are different stories.

You’re reading about local people who through bad luck, bad choices or some combination of both have found themselves down — but not out. The primary recipients of Press Christmas for All donors’ generosity share some common traits:

- They’re actively trying to pull themselves out of the cycle of poverty.

- They’ve gone out of their way to seek help in all the right places.

- They have hope for a better long-term future, for themselves and their families.

Press Christmas for All began discussions with Maggie Lyons and Leslie Orth of Charity Reimagined more than a year ago. United in understanding that some sincere charitable efforts only perpetuate rather than alleviate chronic poverty, Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined set out to alter the trajectory of local people who need just a bit of a hand up rather than a never-ending stream of hand outs.

The skilled carpenter recovering from alcoholism who needed some tools of his trade so he could work and overcome homelessness; the woman who wanted to work but couldn’t because she didn’t have the money for eye care; the couple whose car needed decent tires so they could get to their jobs; these are the neighbors Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined are determined to assist, and many more with similar stories.

This year, the two organizations identified 11 local nonprofits that are doing charity right. Collaborating relentlessly and running applications through a series of criteria, this joint effort is geared toward one primary goal: Ensuring that the hard-earned money donors contribute to Press Christmas for All makes the most positive impact possible.

It’s working. The gifts you’re providing these and other recipients are making an immediate difference. But there’s much, much more that needs to be done, which is why we continue to ask you every day in The Press to part with some of your treasure to truly help others.

There’s one other common thread that deserves to be mentioned, a trait that many of the Press Christmas for All recipients share: That is their willingness and determination to help others. Yes, some of the most needy among us have shared what little they have with people who have even less. Some Press Christmas for All recipients are known for their volunteerism. Lacking other assets, somehow they find ways to give of themselves.

We hope that’s the holiday spirit you’d like to help spread.