IT'S IMPOSSIBLE to ignore these bells when you hear them ringing. Yes, the infamous sound of the Salvation Army bells can now be heard all over town. Indeed, the time of year when society collectively pauses to indulge in the so-called "spirit of giving" has come once again. At the University, it's hardly noticeable.
At a school where charity is practically a competition, the increased awareness about giving hardly changes with the season -- a fact that we should be proud of.
There are canned food drives, coat drives, toy drives and just about everything else in between during the school year. President Clinton recently reported that giving is at an all-time high in this country, a fact everyone should be proud of. More importantly, he discussed the rate at which American youth are donating to charity. Be it high or low everywhere else, I believe that our community outshines many others in this regard.
A fundamental awareness about the duty of giving for those less fortunate is remarkably high around Grounds. I am continually amazed at the commitment to such acts of kindness demonstrated by students every day. Members of each class, from the day of Convocation onward, seem perpetually driven to act charitably.
Our threshold for a cappella benefit concerts, charity 5K runs, volunteer service commitments and the like seem interminable. I hear there's a waiting list for Alternative Spring Break, and the line for volunteering through Medical Services grows longer every year.
How can this be explained?
Sure, there is a hint of cynical realization that we do these things because they make us look good, rather than for the intrinsic value found in "doing good." But that argument only goes so far. What's more, even if half of the charity done by students is resume-building in action, the sheer volume of service rendered certainly is not negligible. Although some students are compelled to serve in order to enhance their image, they constitute a minority.
Countless student-run organizations around Grounds participate in charitable giving. Several are based on the very premise of volunteer work and service. The example set by these groups serves as a powerful reminder that the potential to do good every day of the year is limitless. Turning a passion into action and service is a unique and wonderful act.
The fact that giving truly has no singular season perpetually manifests itself here. The only difference in charity this time of year is that it comes in the form of Angel Trees -- I know of three currently underway -- and canned food drives -- at least two. Clearly, our community does a tremendous amount of good.
There is a powerful lesson to take away from this activity. It's not the feeling we get from donating our time, service or money, although that can be overwhelmingly meaningful. Rather, it's the need to turn these commitments of our youth into ones that last a lifetime. Just as the season for giving never seems to ring in every day, so must our involvement remain constant.
Opportunities to act charitably endlessly present themselves, and so the dedication we have today must never die.
Throughout the year, students carry out projects of varying themes and missions. We make a world of difference to people and services in the community in countless ways. The holiday season certainly has begun in earnest. Just as we acknowledge and celebrate service regardless of the month, our commitment to charity must be a lifelong pursuit.
(Katherine Martini is a Cavalier Daily columnist.)
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