Don't wait to donate: be someone's miracle Published Oct. 26, 2006 By Capt. Jerry Fausch 97th Medical Operations Support Squadron ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE -- If you have already contributed to the Combined Federal Campaign, thank you. If you have not yet contributed, please take five minutes to consider the following. Each year, federal employees are given an opportunity, which Webster defines as, "...favorable or promising ...circumstances; a chance for...improvement." You may ask, "How can giving my money to someone else be considered an opportunity? How can I possibly expect a chance for improvement by donating my hard earned money to people I don't even know?" You have been given certain talents, certain attributes and a certain level of success that is utterly unique to you. These blessings include: living in a free society, serving your country, and physical and mental health and wealth. A staggering 37 million people in the United States earn less money per year than an airman basic with less than two years of service. As an airman 1st class, I supported my wife and daughter on a single income. It wasn't always easy but we still found a way to help those who had less than us. We understood the principle of giving: if you want more of something you must give it away. We were not given gifts to keep them to ourselves! What if George Frideric Handel had hoarded his talents, only using them to entertain himself? Or if "Hammerin' Hank" Aaron just practiced in his back yard, hitting balls in an empty field? What if your parents had not given you the gift of life? Each of these people had an opportunity to give of themselves to make the world a better place; they sacrificed so others could benefit. Sacrifice: "Forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one thought to have a greater value." I am asking you to forfeit some of your hard-earned money for the sake of one of the more than 20,000 charities that help people less fortunate than you. A wise man once taught people through stories, one of which involved people donating money to help others. In this story, many rich people contributed large amounts of money while one poor widow gave only two small coins. The teacher told his followers the widow gave more than everyone else because the rich people had given out of their wealth, but the widow gave everything. The amount of money you choose to give is not important. What matters is your decision to sacrifice and help a fellow human being: an abandoned child, an abused spouse, a wounded veteran or a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Find a charity you like and make a difference in someone's life today. Call your group representative for a form and catalogue before Nov. 3.