Well Gang..its that time of the year again.Tomorrow is my Birthday (Jan. 20) and you know what that means. It is time to get off your ass and buy me a present. That’s right damn it, and this year I want a lot more presents than last year. And just because you gave me a present last year doesn’t get you off the hook for a bigger one this year. What, you ask, is on my B-Day list in 2011.. its not a date with Heather Mitts or another BMW 521i or a new Lear Jet...

NOPE. I want the same stuff as you gave me last year on my birthday: All you have to do is grab a few canned goods, some household items, maybe some slightly used blankets or a warm jacket ..stuff like that and go to your local FOOD BANK/HOMELESS SHELTER and donate it.  2010 was a terrible terrible year for the dislocated, the mentally ill, the teen runaways and those suffering from drugs or running from abuse since the great depression.  In 2011 the government, Non-profits, Temples, Mosques, and Churches will be hard pressed to help more than last year. The poor economy has hit our support services hard and even more people will be in need for shelter, clothes and food than last year. It is beyond belief how hard it is to live on the streets or in shelters and especially difficult for single mothers with small children.

So instead of giving me those box seat season tickets to the Reds…take a few bucks and turn it in to something that will make a big difference on this cold winter day for a less fortunate person, one who is not that different you or me. Yet someone who has been overwhelmed by circumstance and is in dire need of our help. There is so much aid going to Haiti, Australia, Brazil etc (and they need it) that local food banks and shelters actually lose donations in these times of great disasters.Please participate. it is so easy to do.  Give now, give plenty, and give often.

Your Pal

Mads