Plenty of volunteers all over the country work year-round to raise money for causes dear to their hearts, and that’s no exception in Niles.

However, a combination of spotty weather and busy school years leave a few months of the year where Michiana organizations are able to utilize the great outdoors for their fundraising efforts. So, for the next three months or so, there will be no shortage of efforts to participate in or organizations to donate to.

And we encourage you to participate and contribute as much as you can.

With several golf outings, a handful of Relay for Life marathons, family carnivals and various other outdoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get out of the house for a good cause.

Of course, money is precious and most of us cannot contribute financially to every cause that we feel is worthy, but that does not mean we cannot do our part to help those efforts. Often, offering time to volunteer to organize, or even assist at these events is just as — if not more — valuable than any financial contribution. Without the volunteers who offer their precious time, there would be no fundraising efforts in the first place.

This summer, we urge you to expose your children, friends and family to as many of these efforts as your wallet and/or schedule will allow. Sacrifice a night at the movies to contribute to the Niles Burn Run event. Instead of having dinner out one night, stay in and spend the money you would have spent at a restaurant as a donation to Relay for Life, the American Legion or any other entity you feel is deserving.

Take advantage of these opportunities this summer. We’ll be joining you.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.