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This is a good time to help the community
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This is a good time to help the community

It’s been a long couple of years. For the majority of us, this recession has been unlike anything we have every experienced before. We’ve seen revenues decrease, solid long-time companies go out of business, and good employees let go as cost saving measures. Private sector employees have seen their wages frozen or cut, have had their hours or benefits slashed. Those with jobs are grateful for the continued paycheck.
While it’s been tough out there for all of us, it has been even harder for those dependent on the goodwill of others. Families that had struggled in a good economy are desperately hanging on. Social agencies while having their budgets cut have seen their loads significantly increase.

The school year will begin in a couple of weeks. Struggling families will find it hard to purchase needed school supplies. Teachers who typically have purchased classroom supplies from their own pockets will find it even more difficult in light of salary cuts. Several retailers and office supply stores currently have school supplies on sale. Next time you’re shopping in one, pick up a couple of packages of paper, a few notebooks, or a few packages of pencils. The Chamber continually collects school supplies and nonperishable food items for its at-risk school partners. Your donations can be dropped off at the Chamber or at any Chamber event.  With 146 schools in which the majority of the student population is at poverty or below poverty level, the need is great throughout southern Nevada. If you haven’t signed on to support a local school, consider doing it; there are many that need your help. You don’t need to provide financial support; providing the gift of time can be just as valuable. Consider reading and spending time with students.
Be cognizant that many of your employees may be worried about their financial futures, worried about losing their homes to foreclosure, or worried about their job security.  Employees, who were once productive, may become listless and appear uninterested in their work.  While you should expect that employees do the jobs that they are being paid to do, understand that these are extenuating circumstances.

On another note, while not directly related to business, the economy has affected much more than people. Pets are being abandoned, either on the streets or at shelters. The various rescue groups are being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of pets being surrendered to them. Lied Animal Shelter, our public shelter receives approximately 1,900 animals each month with 50% of those having to be euthanized largely because of space limitations. While spaying and neutering are paramount to solving the pet overpopulation, thousands of animals are being forced from their homes because of the downturn in economy. Consider donating to one of the many shelters and rescue groups in the valley. Many are run by volunteers and grassroots efforts---in addition to money, they are in need of pet food and supplies. If you’ve been contemplating adding a dog or cat to your family wait no longer; there are hundreds waiting for you to rescue them. Even if you currently have a pet or two, I strongly urge you to open up your homes and hearts to one more homeless waif. The appreciation and adoration that will come with that decision will be well worth it.

Whether your volunteer or charitable interests lean towards education, social service networks, or helping our four legged companions, now is the time to put your own self interests and problems aside and help those in greater need. Trust me, the world will look a little brighter if you do.

 

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