I had a great time on Black Friday spending some quality time with good friends doing something that really put me in the holiday spirit, waving a sign, holding a fire boot and collecting money for Jerry’s Kids. I spent a few hours out with members of the Valley Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1352 on a “Fill the Boot for MDA” drive. This is the second I have participated in this year. It never ceases to amaze me the spirit of our citizens in giving to a worthy cause.
While standing out there I came to a realization of why I was having so much fun. It was because I was doing something, not for my benefit, but to help others who need it. Now I do a lot of volunteer work. I also do a lot of other work behind the scenes, but I never really thought about why it is so important to me. Because doing this type of volunteer work allows me to enjoy the Christmas Spirit all year long.
I have always lived by the biblical adage “As you do to the least of my children, you do to me also”. I have always accepted that as a personal responsibility for me to keep. Over the years I have supported many groups with my labor and donated thousands of hours. But the joy I get from knowing I helped make someone’s life better has made it more than worthwhile. It allows me to celebrate Christmas All Year Long.
I believe this is what also drives me as Mayor. I know our government can do better in meeting the needs of our community. Not that government needs to provide those services, but they do need to help facilitate and develop the resources and then get out of the way. I love working with Pacific Partnerships, and the Lions, or Veterans Groups or any other group whose goal is to make the lives of those they serve better. And together it is amazing what we get done.
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