Happy Labor Day!
I’ve used this weekend to catch up on some much need rest, housekeeping chores, and go hiking and to the theater with my date. And, of course, there was the traditional picnic: hot-dogs, cheeseburgers, potato salad, coleslaw, brownies and banana pudding.
For many of us who are employed, Labor Day is a welcome break from our work routines. Some may even remember the achievements of organized laborers, who fought for more humane working conditions and reasonable hours in a time before standard labor laws, the EEOC, OSHA, and Workman’s Compensation. Others look forward to football games and the kids being back in school.
But for many Virginians, Labor Day is just one more day without a paycheck and without any meaningful work to do. In August, unemployment nationwide climbed to 9.6%. Virginia’s unemployment rate stood at 7% in July. Our better condition is partly due to the high availability of stable government and government-dependent jobs, particularly in Northern Virginia and partly due to Governor McDonnell’s business friendly policies.
Even for those who are employed, times are hard. Housing values are down and many owe more than their house is worth. Some have taken foregone raises in order to keep their jobs and others are underemployed. We know because economic hardship affects our neighbors… and us.
More have to depend on charity – or government assistance. Yet private charities are struggling to get by on less too.
Small government conservatives believe charity begins at home – caring for your family – and then in the community, caring for those who are less able to care for themselves. What better place to start than with local food banks.
September is National Hunger Action month and there are plenty of inexpensive ways we can help families in need.
One of the best ways you can help is by finding your local food bank and volunteer or donate a meal.
Check out:
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
Capital Area Food Bank (Northern Virginia and DC)
Central Virginia Food Bank
Fredericksburg Area Food Bank
Foodbank of the Virginia Penninsula
Feeding America: Southwest Virginia
Many corporations and businesses are also participating in hunger relief drives this month.
Wal-Mart is donating $2 billion dollars and they have plenty of ways you can help them fight hunger – even on Facebook.
Your local grocery store may also provide easy ways for you to help feed the hungry.
Share how you are helping in the comments or let us know what your Virginia business is doing!
