3.08.2009

Shriners


www.shrinershq.org/Shrine

Yesterday I had the odd opportunity to dash away to Atlanta - alone - to do a little shopping. On my drive to Atlanta at a stop light in Carterville a Shriner was pacing an intersection with his bucket collecting donations. Unfortunately the light turned green before he made his way any where near my lane of traffic.

On my way home at a different intersection, also in Carterville, another Shriner was pacing my lane of traffic collecting donations. This time - there was time. So I grabbed my wallet and emptied out my zipper of loose change to toss into the bucket. I was a little surprised when he got to me at how 'empty' his red bucket was - considering the business of this particular intersection.

So I started counting. Two cars in front of me. Ten cars behind me. Before the light changed to green only two cars made a donation to that Shriner. Two, myself included.

In front of me a man sat with his arm out of his window smoking a cigarette. Behind me a Lexus. Neither budged as he passed.

So hears the deal. Shriners are incredibly noble people. The money they collect in those red buckets is to help children - like Ivey - who need medical attention. Children receive medical care at Shriners' Hospitals free of charge, no matter what their family's financial situation might be. This is possible partly from donations made on street corners and intersections from people like you and me. People who care.

Where these people like us were yesterday, I have no idea. They definately were not at that redlight!

Next time you see a Shriner in his funny little cap hand over your change!!! Clear out your loose pennies, empty your ashtray in your car, dig down to the bottom of your purse or try the floorboard of your car. But please whatever you do, do not look away or stare straight ahead as if he were not there. Roll down your window, smile and think you just helped a child. The only thing it will cost you is maybe the price of a couple of coca-colas or cigarettes. Seriously, how much could you really have stashed away in the ashtray of your car?

To learn more about Shriners and their Children's Hospitals you can look here:
www.shrinershq.org/Shrine or www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm a shriner and would like to thank you for the kind comments. May God bless you and your child.

Anonymous said...

I've just become a shriner and I can only hope that your sentiment is wide-spread. Thank you for your support and God bless you and yours.

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