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It is hard to imagine the year has almost passed again and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Please take the time to enjoy family and friends and listen to everyone's needs and concerns. Often it is very helpful to someone to sit and listen and offer advice when it might be needed.

This holiday season will be especially difficult for many people this year because of the poor economy and loss of good paying jobs.

If you so desire to help someone this year in need, there are many good charities out there eager to help those in need. Or perhaps you may choose to adopt a family or you may know personally or you have heard about.

If you know of a Veteran who is serving our Nation at present, the holidays are hard on them also. Many Veterans' organizations send items the troops may need. A little bit of home goes a long ways. Contact one of them and donate items or money for cost of shipping. More often than not the family left behind finds itself struggling also. Drop by and ask how everyone is doing and help wherever you can.

I hope many of our politicians have to work through the holidays this year. Maybe then they can get something done for the people in need (the taxpayers). I really think they forgot us all!

/s/ Lee McAllister

LM:sh/opeiu#393afl-cio