A Legacy of Giving.......

In the December 7-13, 2008 edition of American Profile magazine, I found a very touching story of annual Christmas kindness; dating back to 1894, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. You may have also read the story as this little magazine is often a supplement in some newspapers.

This simple act of kindness by a former slave, makes a huge difference in the lives of many people in that town, and it just involves a bag of flour and a bag of sugar!

From the article......

Shortly before his death (at age 82) that year (1894), a former slave, named Wheeling Gaunt deeded nine acres of farmland to the village with the stipulation that rent from the land be used to buy flour to give to widows at Christmas. Though the property no longer is rented, village taxpayers continue to honor Gaunt’s wishes and since the 1950s have even sweetened the holiday gift with sacks of sugar.

“We’ve always honored this tradition and always will,” says Village Clerk-Treasurer Deborah Benning, whose family has lived in Yellow Springs since the early 1800s. “We take responsibility for each other here. We care about each other.”

Last December, Gaunt’s generous idea once again wrapped the village of 3,761 people in holiday spirit as the Yellow Springs Public Works crew delivered 10 pounds of flour and 10 pounds of sugar to each of the 110 widows in the community. “They’re always happy to see us coming,” says Public Works Superintendent Kelley Fox, who heads the annual giveaway and has helped make the deliveries for 24 years.

Many of the women who receive the gift of sugar and flour, are in need of it as they are on fixed incomes. One widow gave her annual allotment to a family who'd lost everything in a fire. Others make candy, cookies, and specialty breads for gifts to share with family and friends.

Remember though....

Okay...enough silliness!

Mr. Gaunt would no doubt be proud to know his legacy has helped that many people for over 100 years! He was an amazing man and despite early life of hardship; he aquired several pieces of property and was one of the town's wealthiest people when he passed away.

So, I got to thinking what I would do, IF I decided to do something similar for my beloved hometown. I say "decided" because I know I can do anything, ANYTHING...I want, with the right attitude and determination.

Here's what I came up with!

I thought it would be really cool to provide every child a decent digital camera when they attained the age of say....11, 12 or maybe 13 years old; picking that age range because at least they aren't quite at that "too cool" stage to participate in this next part. (Of course I'd have to decide exactly what age they'd get the camera, when working out the details!) With the camera, I would include a request that they go out and take some photographs with their amazing young eyes, of something they find interesting in our town or the people in it, and that they provide City Hall with a few of their best shots, for the historical value.

Maybe 50 or a 100 years from now...those photos would be displayed or possibly turned into murals, such as we're doing now throughout our town. Wouldn't that be cool? Plus, I think the kids would love having a camera to snap photos of friends and family and explore their creativity via photography!

So........................

What would you do IF you were able to create such a legacy....in your city, hometown or for any particular group/cause?