Editorial: Organizations set new standard for giving, helping
Duplication in the human services field results in wasted dollars and lost opportunities.
Thus, we especially are appreciative this holiday season that three large local "holiday-oriented" groups have banned together to coordinate their efforts. The three include the Salvation Army, Volunteer Center and Vietnam Veterans of America.
The three organizations will share names of those they are serving with each other so no area family in need will receive help twice with the same products. In that way, dollars raised, or donations given to any one of the three organizations will be able to be spread further.
"We think (duplicating services) is poor stewardship of public funds," said Volunteer Center Director Kathleen Bruski in a recent news story.
We couldn't agree more.
With the local economy hurting more than ever this year, we expect the need to be great over the holidays. For us it is encouraging knowing three of the larger holiday-needs organizations will work together in such an efficient manner.
Such cooperation is so refreshing. Frankly, the example of these three groups is a model that should be duplicated locally, as well as on the state and national levels.
All ready these three groups have spread a little holiday cheer by their announcement. Now, it's up to the rest of us to "rise to the occasion" and ensure there is enough food, toys and clothing to be distributed this year.
