GUEST COLUMN: 'There is only us'

I’ve often heard these words rain down from the pulpit. And because of the Christmas Cheer Fund I am more aware of what they mean. “There is no ‘them’ and ‘us’.

There is only us.” Read that again. Seeing the needs of North Iowans as they apply for Cheer Fund help is unsettling.



There would be something wrong with me if it wasn’t. They are us. They are the people we see everywhere, at least if we choose to.

They are us. The ones laid off jobs, with medical bills for themselves or their children. They are us.

The women and men who have left relationships due to physical and/or substance abuse. They are us. The people who are the caregivers of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters.

Many we know have been there and are there now. Christmas Cheer Fund gift cards are a small part of saying, “Yes, I see you. I want to help.

” The donation total is growing. North Iowans are responding. We still have a long way to go as applications are expected to exceed 2,000.

Thank you to all you have given. Keep spreading the word. Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you for sharing your memories with us. Please donate by mailing your check to Christmas Cheer Fund, Box 28, Mason City, IA or online at via credit card, Venmo and PayPal. All applications to receive Christmas Cheer Fund gift cards will be accepted online at through Dec.

6. Reynolds Jane Reynolds is president of the Cheer Fund board of directors. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.

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