By Tom Wilbur
This has been an incredible time in American history. It’s been a perfect storm of sorts that has impacted millions of Americans adversely across our nation. Our economy has floundered for several years, under a backdrop of uncertainties and skyrocketing deficits in our government. Technology has created efficiencies that reduce the need for people, as computers and robots leverage the capacity of all workers. The low cost of foreign labor has driven jobs from our nation to distant shores to produce goods and services over there— at a much lower cost. The value of real estate almost everywhere has plummeted creating hardships for homeowners—with reports that many folks owe more on their homes than the homes are worth today. And here in Salina it’s snowing, and gloomy, and cold. At this point, you are probably saying, “Hey thanks, Tom! Real uplifting, pal!”
I’m not an Optimist (but I am a Rotarian)—and I must say, I am very “optimistic” about our future. We are seeing a slight pickup in activity for individuals and companies considering investing in their companies and small businesses, and while it may take some time, we’re gonna get through this. It’s been tough so far, but I think we’ve bottomed out.
Thoreau once said, “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of possessions. Presents that I got on birthdays, upon reflection, looked a lot like the giveaway toys on the back of cereal boxes. One year, my Dad got a nickel an hour raise. On a 40 hour week, with a nickel an hour bump, you can really party hearty on the extra two bucks. In those days, two dollars equaled 20 cans of tomato soup (on sale)—or about eight gallons of gas.
But there was never a lack of love in our house. I didn’t miss the possessions a bit, because I didn’t really know that we didn’t have much. But it mattered not. My Mom and Dad were and are awesome parents, and regardless of what the need was—they provided for us. They have been there for me, and my brother, and our kids—every step of the way. And we have been incredibly blessed by their arms of support and love.
Yesterday, I heard about a family here in Salina that has five kids, ages 3 to 12, and the parents are both out of work. I understand that they are good people, just down on their luck. I’m sure they love and care about their family. But their utility bills have been mounting and things have been pretty dire. They apparently have been blocked from certain areas of financial support from the government. Things are tough.
I’m always talking about doing the right thing, and so I’m feeling like making a call to action here. I’m going to do what I can to help them, even though I don’t know them. What I can do is ask for you to join a Secret Santa Club, and help them, too. I just started an account at BANK VI, with that name—The Secret Santa Club.
The Secret Santa Club is totally anonymous. I just made it up. There is no Board of Directors, and no by-laws. No one who donates will receive any recognition. It’s not a non-profit agency, so it’s not deductible. There is no secret handshake or membership card. It’s just helping someone this week with a need that needs to be fulfilled. And all the money raised will go to help these people. To help pay their utilities and rent. Buy some food. It will be handled properly, and delivered to them on Christmas Eve. I dunno whether the account will have $5.00 or $500.00 in it by Christmas. It is what it is.
If you have a job, why not drive through our drive-in or come by and warm yourself by our fireplace, and give $5.00 to the Secret Santa Club? Our teller team will know where to deposit your money. If you and your spouse are employed, why not give $10.00? If you can do more, or want to do less—go ahead. Or you can mail cash, or a check, or a gift card to the Secret Santa Club, c/o BANK VI, P.O. Box 77, Salina, Kansas 67402-0077. You won’t get a receipt. But you will know that you are genuinely helping somebody, for all the right reasons—anonymously.
There was a story about a boy who once walked the beach, and his grandfather noticed that he was picking up starfish that had been washed ashore— and throwing them back into the ocean. The grandfather remarked, “Tim, I see you are trying to save these starfish. You can’t possibly save them all.” With a smile, Tim replied, “You’re probably right, Grandpa, but I can help this one!” as he smiled, and threw another starfish toward the safety of the water.
I can’t change the world, but we might make a little difference for this family of Salina starfish(es)—at this special time of year.
Help if you can. Blessings, and Merry Christmas, everyone.
tw
Tom Wilbur is the President/CEO of BANK VI in Salina, Kansas. He is a graduate of Salina Central, and the University of Kansas, and a regular contributor to newspapers and periodicals. Tom is a founding member of The Last National Band, a local band together for 32 years, doing their Last Dance benefit for Big Brothers, and Hospice of Salina, on New Years’ Eve– at Salina’s Bicentennial Center. He can be reached at tomw@banksix.com