advertisement

'Tag day' collections deserve support

Annually, since the fall of 1984, I have been out on street intersections collecting for the Knights of Columbus to assist the mentally handicapped and challenged. You learn quickly the feeling of rejection when people in cars do not reach out to aid those less fortunate.

This is their choice. I have seen cars hold back 50 yards from where I am standing so that they will not have to make that commitment. Conversely, I have been told by many as I approach them, how they appreciate all we do.

I tell them as I state now, we can only collect when you roll down your windows and are willing to give.

Many man hours and footsteps are in vain as we pass by many more cars than those who do give. The major national organizations including the VFW, American Legion, Kiwanis, Misericordia, and the Knights of Columbus have to apply to local towns and villages to obtain tag day permits which then allow them to be on the streets for a specific weekend.

Some municipalities limit and even do not allow these groups to be on the corners. Conversely, there are groups on these same corners all year long soliciting for unknown causes not readily identifiable by their aprons if they are wearing one.

Finally, I want to thank all those drivers over these past 31 years who were willing to help the mentally handicapped and challenged. And to those who haven't, next year or at the next tag day event you come upon when driving, consider rolling down your window and aid those less fortunate than you are and say with a smile to those volunteers, "Thank You".

Dean Sordyl

Mount Prospect

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.