You know that heart-tugging scene at the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life” when the whole town shows up to save George Bailey from financial ruin?
His wife, Mary, opens the door to one townsperson after another.
Uncle Billy dumps a basket of cash on a living room table and says, “Isn’t it wonderful? . . . She told some people you were in trouble. They scattered out all over town collecting money.
“Didn’t ask any questions.”
That’s how we here at The Active Age felt with a surprise Christmas in July.
In our June issue, our board treasurer, Diana Breit Wolfe, shared that our ever-important donations from readers were dwindling – down 28 percent from last year – while printing and distribution costs are rising.
Then you all stepped up in the most amazing ways.
People sent checks with handwritten notes.
“I appreciate your curious approach as you bring to light the very best of growing older AND expose the issues that can negatively affect them! Well done!”
Another wrote, “I donated in December but want to donate again to help keep the paper in business. I love the Active Age and would hate to see it discontinued.”
A proud 95-year-old thanked us for “the great work you do to help seniors stay informed.”
Others called in with their credit cards. Some people even came to the office with donations and visited.
Donations ranged from a dollar to as much as $1,000.
Just like in “It’s a Wonderful Life” when George’s brother declared him “the richest man in town,” we, too, feel wealthy beyond measure with the kind comments and genuine support, financial and otherwise.
One writer sent a note with a personal salutation, explaining that she feels she’s gotten to know us and is on a first-name basis. The feeling is mutual.
But just like the Baileys, we’re still not on the most solid financial footing. In fact, we are still in the red for 2022, although your generosity has us much closer to breaking even. We are doing everything we can to reduce costs down while still bringing you a paper you enjoy.
We want to keep The Active Age, established as a nonprofit in 1979, going out to readers for at least another 43 years.
We couldn’t miss this opportunity to say thank you to you all, but we would be remiss if we didn’t add a gentle reminder that one of the ways The Active Age continues to bring free news and local stories of interest is through your continued support.
Whether you’ve donated in the past or have recently or will in the future, we thank you. Mostly, we thank you for caring and showing that you do in so many ways.
As the angel Clarence wrote, after George helped him get his wings, “Remember no man is a failure who has friends.”
