Seeing the GOOD around us during Treasures for Troops

We at WION  had an excellent kickoff to "Treasures for Troops, Year #7" on Monday November 2nd.   With a donation from Reurink Roofing & Siding Sales of a sizable amount, and people who came in to the Village Market in Muir because of hearing us.  It was a nice start. 

It's important to remember that never in most of our lives has the world changed so quickly as it has since last year's "Treasures" and we're all so very tired of adjusting to governmental "orders" (however temporary) and to our daily lives' activities being squelched.  Our broadcast from Muir was the first "out of studio" one in all of this year!  Yet, among all of that, at least 5 or 6 grocery cart's full of things were collected and brought to the Moose Lodge in Ionia for sorting, plus MANY individual monetary donations were made to the Blue Star Mothers for this yearly pack of items to go overseas. 

In a year where we can't even accept volunteer help for sorting and boxing, I can tell you that just being around the giving today, and the good vibes from each and every donor helped lift my spirits.  Like you, I find it harder to locate the normal day to day JOY we used to take so much for granted, but doing good for others is definitely a spirit-lifting experience.

All WION does is spread ideas via word of mouth, amplified by electrons, waves, and devices... but...those receiving  this "help others" message by radio each respond in their own ways to the need we're addressing this week in "Treasures." 

 Meanwhile, the stories we hear from our dropoff locations lift everyone's spirits. We heard Monday morning of two young men who spent their own money to contribute in Lowell, both are middle school aged...but they're GIVING.  Isn't that refreshing?  They're wanting to help others.  During our kickoff broadcast we were brought cards and a donation from a family in which one business they own has been severely affected by the state's rules and regulations, but they still continue to GIVE.  We were hosted at the Village market in Muir, by new owners who preserved and invested in a LOCAL business in a small town, which is something to celebrate in itself. 

I'm always tired at the end of each day during "Treasures" but, I remember singer Harry Chapin's description of "Good Tired" vs. Bad Tired...and GOOD tired by his description was when you finish a day with lots of YOU in it and you sleep well because of that.  You've had a day which was not wasted fighting other's battles and living other's lives. (probably not-so-good paraphrasing, by the way...you can look it up on the web)....Today, there was an incredible effort taking place which focused on helping those we may never meet. There was plenty of me, plenty of you, and of others who care in the day.  The recipients who will open a box from Treasures For Troops will, no doubt, have a sense of wonder that SOMEONE in the world whom they don't even know cared for them..and...I think that's something EVERYONE helping with this cause should be proud of, whether you write ONE personal note to put in a box, give ONE dollar, or thousands. You're touching the lives of  hard working people who are homesick, and want to be in places they're not....but for a moment....they're closer to home.

WION, WGLM, WRWW, (The Lowell Area School's Student Station) and our friends at  WRDN (which we call our "Sister 1430" In Durand, Wisconsin) who are collecting addresses for boxes and monetary donations along with our sponsor, Young Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and our broadcast partner locations ALL Say, "Thank you"...for being part of something that helps others... and showing that even during these odd times, we can, indeed, work together for GOOD. 

We hope being part of "Treasures for Troops"  lifts your spirits, too.