Yesterday I looked with great dismay at the Christmas Magic account.  The only individual Hays resident to make a donation to Christmas Magic has been Kevin Pfannenstiel.

I understand that at this time of year everyone seems to have their hand out and right now times are getting harder.  Believe me, I know!

But please let me explain just what is behind "Christmas Magic".  

There are an estimated 22 soldier /Veteran suicides a day in this country.  
This is the time of year that loneliness is the hardest, the most heart breaking and not just for Vets.  

These are all people out in the cold, dark night, looking in the window at the family gathered round the Christmas tree all merry and bright while the stand with one match left, clutched in their hand. 
That match is all too often their last tie to hope.

Our bags, that we give them, are full of matches.
At least that is our hope.

Sappy?  Well, we are a bunch of sappy old broads who want folks here to know that in Hays America we still care about our neighbors, care about each other.  That it is okay to reach out if you need a helping hand.  That you are not alone.  That you are important to us.

We still need exactly $1605.63 to make our goal of filling all 120 bags this year.  I frankly have asked every business I can think of for help.  Now it is up to you, my fellow neighbors.

I am asking 1,605 of you to swing through the drive through at Commerce Bank and drop off just one dollar.   Please, light just one "match" of hope for your fellow Hays neighbor.

 Let's make this the brightest Christmas ever.