The Spectrum

Issue date: 12/8/05 Section: Features

Media Credit: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer Has greed really taken over the holiday spirit?

The holiday season is the time of year to give and it is also the time of year when consumers spend the most money. Ironically, more often than not, people are more inclined to become selfish.

Could it be that greed is overpowering the desire to give? We all may have a little bit of the Grinch inside of us.

It sometimes seems that people lose sight of what the holiday season is all about. Not many people become overly obsessed with gifts and the hype of shopping.

Could it be that people have forgotten what really matters and what the true essence of the holiday season is all about?

"Yes, I do believe that greed has taken over the act of giving this Christmas season. The malls and other shop venues seem so greedy, there were Christmas decorations and advertisements out before Halloween this year," said Lauren Feeny, junior, Goshen, N.Y.

Many other students also view the holiday season as a time of greed.

"I definitely think greed has taken over. People are more focused on getting gifts and money than helping people. It's really sad there are people all over the world with nothing and we have so much, people don't even think about it," said Joseph Gangemi, junior, Staten Island, N.Y.

For those students who want to rid some greed out of this season, there are several local charities where students can give back during the holidays. Campus Ministry is a great place to check out some charitable events.

This holiday season students can sponsor a family. There is a list supplied in Campus Ministry with families of different sizes and needs. Students can sponsor these families by supplying them with food, clothing and other needs.

This is a great way of giving back to those in need and also getting your friends involved.

Shelter for the Homeless, Inc. is located in Stamford, within walking distance of the Stamford train station. They provide emergency overnight shelter and meals for homeless men 18 years of age and older, as well as support services for both men and women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and a transitional housing facility there goal is to help clients to become self-sufficient.

Students can donate their time and services there. More information and contact information is provided on the shelter's website.

Another charity is Operation Fuel which provides emergency energy assistance to elderly, disabled and low-income working families who are facing financial crisis and are not eligible for government benefits.

You can support Operation Fuel by signing up for the automatic Pledge a Dollar Program. It adds exactly $1.00 each month to your energy utility bill and 100% of your donation will be used for emergency energy assistance and the utility company will match a percentage. There is more information about the program on their website, http://www.operationfuel.org.

"I always like to help the less fortunate, especially around the holiday season. I think a lot of people; especially a lot of students, with their hectic lives lose sight of the meaning of the season. There are so many people who would appreciate anything from someone, their worried about eating not about getting the new X-Box or digital camera," said Melissa Morales, senior, Quillota, Chile.

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