Good Friends

To the Editor:

Each year at the holidays many people generously step up to give of their time, talents, and resources to Good Friend, a program of Green Chimneys Children’s Services. This year was no exception. The results were many gifts and food baskets to those needing assistance. Forty-four families were served and extra food helped restock the depleted local food banks.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We have all heard that and mostly we believe it. Receiving is sometimes harder (though we don’t all believe that) because it requires us to be humble enough to acknowledge our need and ask for help. In the end, one cannot happen without the other. The giver needs the receiver in order to share their generosity. The receiver needs the giver to meet their need. It ties us all together in a way that makes us equal. We need each other and we both give and receive out of our need.

Thank you to all the donors, organizers, volunteers, and organizations that supported the Good Friend Adopt-A-Family Gift Drive. Thank you to those who have generously given in so many ways throughout 2004 to Good Friend. Thank you, also, to those whom Good Friend serves. You help us find our best selves.

Good Friend is entering its 30th year of service to the greater Danbury community in 2005. I would like to invite those who have entertained an interest in becoming a mentor to contact us or any other mentoring program and look into what is involved. Rather than just once a year, this is an opportunity to be blessed and to bring blessing all year long. Visit www.good-friend.org or call 790-0032 to inquire — no strings attached. Mentoring requires nothing you don’t already know. Mentor one child...change two lives.

Christopher J. Barrett, MSW

Director, Good Friend

185 Main Street, Danbury                                     December 27, 2004