I went to college in New York City. In New York, the panhandlers have perfected their art in a way that no would could imagine without actually seeing it. Some would perform music, others magic tricks, and some would just look really, really down. Little did I know that in my future, I would have something in common with the panhandlers. I ask for money for a living.

There was one panhandler near campus that the students called “Shorty” (I’m guessing because he stood about 4′11″ - with afro. Hey, we weren’t the wittiest bunch, so Shorty was all we could come up with). Shorty would follow you for half a block telling jokes and then he’d end his request with one of the following taglines…

“What’s the richest nation in the world?” (pause) “DO-NATION”

or, my favorite…

“You don’t have to be a Rockefeller to help a Little Fella.”

What’s my point? Well, a month ago, I wrote a post about my YMCA and how we are raising money to help the low-income community that we serve. My YMCA is not a new, sparkling YMCA with BMW’s and Audi’s in the parking lot. It’s clean, well kept and a place for families to come get help with childcare, for seniors to come and find kinship with fellow seniors, and for kids to play sports or learn to swim. It’s not glitzy, but we serve thousands of people each year.

Our goal was to raise $116,000 in the past month. We’re currently $5,000 short of our goal. Some of my fellow bloggers have already been gracious enough to donate (see my blogroll of the month on the right). I am humbled by their generosity. If you are reading this today, I ask you to consider donating to this worthy cause. Your donation could help make the life of a single mom, a child with no father or a senior without a spouse to feel a bit better in the coming year.

To make a donation, click here and make sure you designate your gift to the “Copley YMCA”.

Remember, you don’t have to be a Rockefeller to help a little fella.

Thank you. And please email me at Childsplayx2@gmail.com and let me know of your donation so I can thank you personally.