Just a friendly reminder that ….

Just a friendly reminder that the cute little puppy you get your child for Christmas will grow up to be a big adult dog so think about that before getting a family pet that will be abandoned on some rural road when you or your kid gets tired of taking care of it.

[ Editor’s Note: A sad but all too real truth, I’m afraid. Yes, getting a cat or dog is a years- long commitment, so I am 100% with you on this. Think, too, about whether or not you can afford to take care of a pet before getting one for a Christmas gift]

*** I would gladly like to say it is that very special time of year again. God is still in the blessing business. Every year we have local great people who are thinking of others during this Christmas season. There are parents who are not able to give to their children at Christmas. But there are wonderful people who have stepped up to the plate and are helping to make a difference in the lives of parents and children. The Lord has put on the hearts of people in our community to put a smile on parents and children during Christmas. By the grace of God several very outstanding people have helped again this year to support the people of our community. There are some people who are blessing again this year. I am sure there are going to be others who are going to be willing to help make a difference.

Thanks to all of the supporters for working one with another doing the will of God. We appreciate these people opening their hearts. [ Editor’s Note: I, of course, love all the community outreach initiatives that we see this time of year. I also very much appreciate the work these organizations do throughout the year that doesn’t really get highlighted enough. Groupls like CASA, Hope House, Families in Transition, the Good Neighbor Love Center, Junior Auxiliary ( I’m sure I’m leaving a bunch out). Since we’re here, though, I’d like to offer a shout out to East Arkansas Enterprises.

You’ll see some photos in the paper later this week from their annual Sugar Plum Market that was put on this past weekend. If you’re unfamiliar with them, they employ or find employment for adults with developmental disabilities, and I don’t think that many folks in the area have even heard of them unless they have someone in their immediate sphere who has been a part of their program. I originally found out about them in the early 1990s when I was a department head at Southland and we were able to find job placement for some of their job seekers. Speaking of Southland and season of giving, Southland recently made donations to a pair of worthwhile local organizations too, so I’d throw them in with the list of holiday do- gooders as well… is Bikes for Tykes doing their thing again this year? If anyone out there is doing any kind of charitable toy drive or clothing drive or holiday- themed collection or giveaway, please let us know and we’ll put something in the paper about it. You can text the Times or email it to us at news@ theeveningtimes. com and I’ll get it in!]