Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.
Og Mandino (1923 – 1996)

For most people in our communities the Christmas season is a time of happiness and joy. But for some, whose life circumstances have burdened them with a variety of challenges, the holiday season looked very bleak. Fortunately, our communities are filled with people willing to give of themselves to help others who are less fortunate. Their simple acts of kindness and spirit of giving made it possible for hundreds of local families to celebrate the holiday in a way that would not have otherwise been possible.
People who embraced the spirit of giving came from all facets of our community and all had a common goal to make a difference.
They were people like Arlington High School sophomore Caitlin Austin, 15, who rallied her fellow students to make a difference through her Homeless in Seattle project. Their goal was to raise $2,000 to put together kits to give to the homeless of Seattle. The kits contained scarves, gloves, shoes, socks, toiletries and food, as well as Christmas cards and presents. Supported by local business like the Arlington Safeway, Flowers by George, Arlington Hardware and Lumber and Paradise Burgers, these students were willing to give of themselves to help people they did not know.
Men and women serving in Americas military were the beneficiaries of the kindness of an AHS graduate and the offices of a local orthodontist. Mary Welsh, a 2002 AHS grad, and Dr. Jason Bourne teamed up to send more than 300 pounds of candy to service members. Dr. Bourne collects the Halloween candy from area parents to prevent their children from damaging their dental appliances. He, in turn, hands it over to Walsh who passes it on to American troops currently overseas, as well as to the United Service Organizations bed-and-breakfast unit at the SeaTac airport.
Military members were not only on the receiving end of our communities kindness, they were also on the giving side when they teamed with local law enforcement officers in the annual Shop with a Cop program. Nearly three dozens local families received support from regional and local law enforcement, military members, businesses and other organizations in the Fraternal Order of Polices fourth annual Shop with a Cop program in Snohomish County Law enforcement officers and military police from Naval Station Everett were paired off with local children in need, giving the kids tours of their duty vehicles before heading out to local stores, such as Wal-Mart and Fred Meyer, that took part in sponsoring the event. Each child was treated to a holiday spending spree of $100.
To ensure the tradition of giving is carried on by the next generation, the Arlington Rotary Club had the wonderful idea of including the children of its members in its annual giving event. The Rotary Club members were joined by their families to assemble and distribute 50 boxes full of groceries for the holidays to families from Lakewood to Darrington. The event has been held annually for nearly 20 years and, by including their children, club members hope it will continue for many more.
Local families who depend on the Marysville Community Food Bank benefited from the kindness of the local Windermere Realty office. The Marysville Windermere office once again competed in a fundraising contest for Snohomish County and Camano Island realtors and came in first by collecting more than $12,000 for three local causes, including the Marysville Food Bank.
One of the largest local examples of the Spirit of Giving is Marysvilles annual Operation Marysville Community Christmas which helps an estimated 600-700 families each year. This year the annual event drew tremendous support from generous individuals, civic groups, businesses, school organizations and civil servants. Groups like the Marysville Rotary Club, Lions, Kiwanis and Soroptimists contributed to the effort, as did businesses like Wal-Mart, Target, Fred Meyer, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Zumiez, K-Mart, Thriftway, North County Bank and Home Street Bank.
While these, and the many other events which benefit area families in need, would not be possible without the time, effort and contributions of the local people, businesses and service groups which organize and run them, they would not be successful without the kindness and generosity of all those who contribute to them. Those contributions, whether large or small, make a significant difference in the lives of local families in need. Everyone who participated in these events, whether they were a volunteer or donor, deserves our thanks. Their caring and compassion for those in need serves as a shining example of the Spirit of Giving and remind us all of what makes our communities great.

To contact a member of The Marysville Globe/Arlington Times editorial board Kris Passey, Scott Frank or Margi Hartnett e-mail forum@premier1.net.