The people of Columbus are generous. This is what I learned last Tuesday, April 13 while spending the day with the Lowndes Young Leaders at Wal-Mart. This group of high school students from all over Lowndes County planned and organized three service projects, and I was lucky enough to “help” them collect items for the Columbus Lowndes Humane Society.
The request was simple: “If you are able to pick up any items on the list, please do. We”ll donate them to the Humane Society this afternoon.” It was the response that blew me away. It was a resounding YES! I”ve lived in Columbus most of my life, so I already knew there were generous and kind people living here. But it was a different experience to be in the midst of the general public for hours and see such consistent giving and not reluctantly, but eagerly. We filled three trucks with donated goods and raised $400. What a great opportunity for the future leaders of our community to witness.
Thank you to those of you who said YES when asked to give. You”ve not only invested in the Humane Society, you”ve invested hope in our young leaders.
The Lowndes Young Leaders program is sponsored by the Columbus-Lowndes Development LINK, Columbus Rotary, and MUW Center for Creative Learning.
Ivey Ivy, Columbus
The writer is Youth Development Specialist MUW Center for Creative Learning
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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