The Bush economy strikes!
Times are so much harder for a lot of people this season; jobs are lost, homes are lost, families are working harder and making less. We all have to sacrifice to make ends meet and many of us scrimp and save for a special holiday gift, large or small.
Unfortunately, tough times usually lead to an upswing in crime. Today, we became a victim of holiday theft, but that will not spoil our holiday spirit, goodwill or cheer.
Our story after the fold...
Early this morning, the street we live on was targeted for an organized group of thieves who broke into several apartment building garages and broke into most of the cars, including ours. These rotten people broke windows in cars that they couldn't get into easily. They popped open every storage box, trunk and compartment in our car that would open and then threw everything in our trunk on the ground to find portable valuables.
At first, I was angry and upset because the first thing I noticed missing from the car was my husband's big present that I had just hidden in the trunk. As I was waiting for my turn with the police officer, I realized that a couple of other gifts were missing from scattered mess on the ground behind my car.
That's when it hit me - the things stolen from my trunk that have caused me the most grief were the toys we had purchased for Toys For Tots. We had put them in the trunk to take in to the donation center this week. It's the one big thing I plan every holiday season and I'm having a very hard time not crying when I think about those little toys being taken.
There's two reasons I wanted to write this diary...
- Please remember to take valuables out of your car, and lock it, etc. because according to my insurance, there have been a large increase in thefts of all varieties this season.
and
- I know many (or all) of you donate to worthy causes either year round or during the season, but if you haven't had a chance to yet or can still add an item or two, I hope you consider a toy or book for a child. It's not my place to say it, but I just can't stop tearing up over those toys. When I get it together today, I'm planning on going out and buy more toys because it's not a holiday for me without toys for tots :)
Toys For Tots
As my mother-in-law pointed out to my husband, this will be a memorable 1st Christmas for us. I think it will be one of the best Christmases because I have such wonderful people in my life.
So the Grinch, the GOP, the greedy and the fat cats won't steal our Christmas. We wish all the best this season for everyone here at Daily Kos!