John Boehner, November 14, 2003

As difficult as it is to believe, the holiday season is nearly here. From now until the end of the year, each of us will enjoy gathering with loved ones, looking back upon 2003, and rekindling past holiday memories.

Throughout the holidays -- but on Thanksgiving, in particular -- we have an opportunity to call to mind just what it is for which we are grateful: our health...our job...our family...our freedom...or even something as simple as a roof over our heads and food on the dinner table. And it’s during this time of year that many of us choose to lend a hand to those who may not have quite as much for which to be thankful.

Last year, President Bush noted, "As citizens of this great nation, we have much for which to be thankful. As the Pilgrims did almost four centuries ago, we gratefully give thanks this year for the beauty, abundance, and opportunity this great land offers. Throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, let us renew our commitment to make our country and our world better. By answering the call to serve others, Americans are building a culture of service that strengthens our nation."

Whether rallying support for faith-based initiatives, advocating more help for those making the journey from welfare to work, or uniting a nation as we face global challenges unheard of as recently as three years ago, President Bush has made the value of service to others a hallmark of his administration.

Each of us has a chance to answer the call to serve others. And during the holiday season, this call is more important than ever. What better way to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season than to give some of our own time to help those in need during this most special time of the year?

In September, the House approved the Charitable Giving Act - an initiative aimed at increasing charitable giving by both individuals and corporations through expanded tax incentives. It’s my hope that this important legislation will be sent to the President’s desk soon for his signature. But in the meantime, I encourage you to find out how you can support our own Eighth District community service and charitable organizations during the upcoming holiday season.

The food pantry at St. Peter’s Church in Huber Heights is just one of the scores of service organizations throughout the Eighth Congressional District that need extra help and additional resources during the holidays. The pantry collects food items to give needy Huber Heights-area families meals they otherwise may not have enjoyed - not just during the holidays, but all year around.

The pantry at St. Peter’s is just one of the hundreds of charitable organizations located here in the Eighth District -- charities which would welcome your donations and your time as they work to answer the call to serve those in need. For more information on the St. Peter’s food pantry, call 937-233-1503. Or, contact a charity of your choice in your own community. Regardless of where it is and what you do, take the time to help those in need during the holidays. All of us have the opportunity and the responsibility to answer the call to serve others.

Congressman John Boehner represents the Eighth Congressional District of Ohio.