It’s not all bad news and there is never a reason to not say thank you. As confusion, frustration and real fear sweep across the United States, Americans in the Hilltowns of western Massachusetts help their neighbors. As the federal government floods the country with proposals and executive orders to cut social service programs, economic supports, food stamps and other things that help everyday Americans, Hilltown residents help each other. I recently sent a postcard out to households in the Hilltowns. It was a simple request for people to donate money to help get food, transportation and senior services to those in need in the Hilltowns. The federal tax dollars that typically support these services are being redirected and eliminated.
The response has been overwhelming. Every day since I sent that postcard in November, we have received donations for our work helping Hilltown residents in need. This is the America we know. Maybe we need the government at times, but we do not need the government to help us help ourselves. It is clear we know how to do that.
I want to personally thank all the people who have donated to Hilltown CDC and to those of you who are sending in donations as I write this. Our staff are not receiving raises this year. Our focus is on our neighbors in need. Your donations help us sleep better at night. We know we can give food to hungry people, provide transportation to a critical medical appointment and provide in-home chore assistance to seniors.
It gets better. In response to cuts to food stamps, the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire region engaged their donors and have sent us $13,000 in donations to help us provide food to Hilltown residents. Thank you to those of you who donated to this cause.
We operate in solidarity with our Hilltown partners. It Takes a Village is taking toy donations for Hilltown kids, Highland Valley Elder Services is donating toys, Hilltown Health Centers is providing clothing and books to those in need during the holiday season. Neighbors are helping neighbors with firewood and snow removal.
It’s easy to see all the bad things going on. But this column is to remind you that the government cannot take away our love for one another or our determination to succeed in this world. It cannot stop us from taking charge of our lives in joining together to support each other.
This is what I am seeing in all the support we have received from our Hilltown neighbors.
Thank you, Hilltown friends! I couldn’t be prouder of our rural communities. We got each other’s back.
Dave Christopolis is executive director of the Hilltown CDC.