As mentioned elsewhere in this month’s newsletter, I believe in giving back to others — a philosophy I embrace in my daily work at BLG Environmental Services and my community life. With the holiday season always a time for charitable actions, I’d like to devote this space to paying tribute to one of the most generous and special places I’ve ever encountered. Located in Memphis, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a global leader in treating and defeating life-threatening childhood diseases, including cancer. It was founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, once a struggling actor who had prayed to St. Jude Thaddeus — the patron saint of hopeless causes — for guidance and direction in life. After he found success on the TV show “Make Room for Daddy” (later renamed “The Danny Thomas Show”), he created the children’s hospital to give back for the blessings he had received in his life and career. In its nearly 63 years in operation, St. Jude has elevated its patients’ overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, providing hope to children and families at its flagship location and eight affiliate clinics across the U.S. A Haven of Hope
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital is a deeply personal place for me, as my sister, Rose McGee, is a genetic counselor at the facility. The last time I was in Memphis, I saw her at work and witnessed firsthand the extraordinary efforts to bring love and light to children in need. At one point, I viewed a hospital wall listing the names of all the children treated there. Many have triumphed over their immense health challenges, while others are no longer with us. Reading their names and knowing they are honored and remembered at this extraordinary place was an emotional experience I’ll never forget. Children are among God’s greatest gifts. This holiday season, please consider giving to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to help it continue to thrive. For more information, please visit StJude.org . ST. JUDE’S LOVING LIGHT
Robert Burns
Harvesting Happiness Through Helping GAVIN’S GUYS
Do you remember Mr. Rogers from TV? Years ago, he shared something his mom would tell him when he was a little boy and saw something scary in the news: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” But something scary doesn’t have to be happening — you can be a good helper anytime! Helping people is something I love to do. For the past few months, I’ve been on my school’s safety patrol — something my dad did when he was my age. As a patrol person, I do everything from directing traffic outside the school to holding doors open to help people get where they need to go. As part of my duties, I attended a special ceremony at school earlier this year and took an oath to be honest and helpful. Being on patrol is a lot of work for a fifth grader, but it feels great to know I’m being such a good helper.
Not too long ago, I went to work with my dad and got to help him out! I love spending time with him and learning about BLG. Honestly, I’d take over my dad’s business in a second if I could! Landscaping is something I’d love to do as a career when I get older. Even as a fifth grader, I’m already learning about the value of money. If you’re in my neighborhood, you’ve probably seen me taking to the streets with my wagon in tow. I love planting flowers for my neighbors and raking their lawns. Earning money by doing good things for people makes me happy. My dad calls me “a little business owner!” I’ve already learned so much by being a helper. I know a lot more about handling money, and my time on the safety patrol helps keep my mind sharp. Of course, doing so much yard work
around town keeps me outside in the fresh air and allows me to develop new skills with my hands. Best of all, it helps me get out, talk to people, and give back to my community. Whether it’s holding the door open for someone or making their yard prettier, being helpful is always a great thing to do.
2 LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
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