OPINION & EDITORIAL
Get in the spirit of giving
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Also by Badger Herald Editorial Board:
- A security fee-for-all (December 11, 2007)
- Farewell, Chancellor (December 10, 2007)
- $$FC (December 6, 2007)
- In a bind (December 5, 2007)
- Entitlement Town (December 4, 2007)
Related Stories:
- Give something and get something this holiday season (December 4, 2003)
- Thanksgiving break necessary to experience American culture (November 9, 2006)
- A seasonal paradox (December 10, 2003)
- Turkey day trouble (November 20, 2003)
- Letters to the Editor 12/11 (December 10, 2001)
by Badger Herald Editorial Board
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
With the winter break approaching the UW community, many students feel the need to give in the holiday spirit. Almost every student has had an experience with a panhandler during his or her time in Madison. No matter what time of year, a panhandler approaches the average student at least once a day and does so almost exclusively in the State Street neighborhood.
Many students are torn how to react. Some students believe they should give money, because many of us live in privilege at one of the world’s most prestigious academies. Others believe students should refrain because donations only serve to worsen the problem faced by substance abusers and encourage further begging.
But maybe there is a third option. Why not give to organizations, like the Salvation Army, whose intended purpose is to help these individuals?
Homelessness is far more common than most would admit. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 2 to 3 percent of the U.S. population (five to eight million people) will experience at least one night of homelessness over a 5-year period. And of those who are chronically homeless, the majority suffer from either mental health problems or drug abuse.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that there are five million households in the United States with incomes below 50 percent of the local median that pay more than half of their incomes for rent or that live in severely substandard housing. Unfortunately, many of these individuals go hungry while others participate in holiday celebrations.
Groups like the Salvation Army obviously have a lot of work to do. Officials say they will need significant donations of food and toys to handle the overwhelming number of requests for holiday help pouring in this year. Every year, groups like the Salvation Army find it harder and harder to raise the resources necessary to help the needy.
Students can fill this gap by contributing just a little money. True, one cannot be sure what panhandlers will do if someone gives them cash, but there is no doubt that a hot meal for a homeless man or a small toy for a child in poverty can make all the difference this season. Contributing to the Salvation Army or any of the other charitable groups in Madison can fill this need.
We do live privileged lives here at UW, and those who have been given much are responsible for putting those resources to good use. We encourage students to take action and give to local charities this holiday season.
