Athens Daily Review, Texas, Kathi Nailling column

Nov. 27--Thanks to readers of the Athens Review and some just very thoughtful community members the 26-year old veteran suffering from Stage IV liver cancer will receive some much needed help.

When I wrote the article about the young man I had hope people would find it in their hearts to help this young man.

His medical needs, are not his problem, they are being met by the Veterans Administration. What was not being covered by the VA was his every day living, including rent, utilities, car payment, insurance, food etc.

The community came out in support of a man most of us did not know.

What we did know is he had helped his country by his military service and now it was our turn to help him.

That's just what happen. I need to make my first shout-out to Ann Reese.

While attending the Cedar Creek Lake Women's Club meeting recently I was honored to sit next to Ann.

I had heard about the young man earlier in the day and was planning to try and track down the story.

While at the Women's Club I explained to Ann why I had to leave. All I said was I needed to find out about a young veteran in our area suffering from cancer.

Without hesitation Ann took her check book out and wrote a check to the Family Resource Center to be deposited in this man's account.

What a great gift to have people like Ann in our community. All she needed to know is he was a veteran and needed help.

Ann didn't know the young man, as a matter of fact, Ann and I had only met one other time. She took a leap of faith on a young veteran.

Ann is not the exception in this community.

Working for the paper I have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. I can testify this community is always there when the need arises.

After the story published in the Review, other community members came forward to help make this man's life just a little easier.

The story of this man has made me think how truly blessed my life has been.

With the holiday season approaching it would be easy to forget the true meaning of the season. It is important not to lose sight of the spirit of giving to help those less fortunate. Holiday time can be very difficult for some of us.

Giving back doesn't have to mean that you take out the checkbook. There are many ways you can help those in need without spending a dime, and you'll feel great for doing so.

Volunteer your time, it won't cost you a thing. There are so many organizations in our community looking for volunteers. At Cedar Creek Lake contact the Family Resource Center they are always looking for volunteers.

In Athens perhaps the Henderson County Help Center or the East Texas Crises Center needs help. The Athens Soup Kitchen could always use an extra hand during the holidays. All these organization are currently in the process or providing Christmas for their clients. See what you can do to help.

Donate some good used items. When you donate to Goodwill, they'll use the profits from that sale to help provide career services to people with disadvantages or disabilities.

You can help a neighbor clean his yard. Take a meal to some in a nursing home or a shut in, spend time visiting.

If you garden, but always have more than your family can eat -- donate to one of the local food pantries.

If you have kids get involved in a service project for the holidays. Perhaps they can adopt a grandparent from a nursing home.Volunteer somewhere, anywhere, as a family.

There's nothing like helping someone else to take your mind off your own problems and put them in perspective. There's also nothing as satisfying as the feeling you get when you've made someone else's holiday just a little bit brighter.

The holidays are times to reflect and give thanks for what we have. There are people in our community who are not as fortunate -- take time to make a difference.

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