It is easy this time of year to get caught up in the whirlwind of commercialism that has devoured the holidays. With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the relentless barrage of television commercials and the aisles of Christmas stuff in stores, this idea shoves out all visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads.
Lost is many ways is the notion that Christmas is about giving.
The Golden Belt Community Foundation hopes to change that Tuesday. The foundation has become a partner of #GivingTuesday, a philanthropic movement focused on celebrating a new tradition of generosity. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
Donations will be taken to benefit a host of organizations that have funds established through the GBCF. There is a $30,000 match pool and the more money a group gets Tuesday, the larger share of the pool it will receive.
 Individuals, families, and businesses are encouraged to donate in-person at the following locations in each county: The GBCF office at 1307 Williams in Great Bend from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the Sixty-Plus Center at 504 Main in LaCrosse from noon to 6 p.m.; the State Theater at 617 Broadway in Larned from noon to 6 p.m.; and the Courthouse Annex at 210 E. Third in St. John from noon to 6 p.m.
Now that we’ve recovered from the tryptophan-induced coma of Thanksgiving and survived the shopping onslaught from the weekend, take time to donated to a charity or two. It may help you remember what this season is really all about.

For more information, contact 620-792-3000 or visit www.goldenbeltcf.org.


Dale Hogg