Senator Michael McLachlan

Charity Begins At Home

There is debate among scholars over who deserves credit for the expression “Charity begins at home.” Some say the Roman playwright Terence first coined the phrase around 160 B.C. Others argue it was instead 17^th century British physician Sir Thomas Browne.

Regardless of who penned the phrase first, the sentiment remains the same; you have to take care of you and yours before you can take care of others. However, I tend to agree more with a popular Scottish proverb that took the idea a step further saying, “Charity begins at home but it shouldn’t end there.” And it’s that notion of extending charity beyond our homes and into our communities that I’d like to talk about. 

Right now our state and nation face an unprecedented fiscal crisis. From layoffs to foreclosures to bankruptcy, our economy and confidence in the future have suffered a serious blow. We see the effects of these hard times not just in our own lives but all around us; a neighbor falls into foreclosure, a friend takes a pay-cut, a colleague is laid off. 

Times are indeed tough and no doubt, many of you are consumed with the financial stress in your own homes. But consumed with our own challenges as we may be, never has our interconnectedness been more critical and profound. As a result, I hope we can answer the call to reach out to one another any way we can. The United Way is sounding the call for help. I am proud to support the Take Five to Give 5 campaign which encourages folks to donate as much as they can, volunteer their time and then spread the word to their friends and family to do the same. 

If donating money is not feasible, why not start a new tradition of service and charity in your own homes? Follow the lead of the United Way and so many others and sit down with your children, your spouse, or your friends. Sign up for a volunteer project you can do together. Take up a collection for a local charity. Check in on an elderly neighbor. Visit a sick relative. A small act of kindness will go a long way, now more than ever.

Senator Michael McLachlan
24th District
The State of Connecticut

Learn more about Take Five to Give 5 at:
http://www.TakeFivetoGive5.org

 

 

Comments

[Michelle Liguori]

I couldn't have said it better myself. Senator McLachlan's statement that "Times are indeed tough and no doubt, many of you are consumed with the financial stress in your own homes" speaks to so many people on so many levels. How often do you hear of a neighbor losing his job or a friend who is facing foreclosure? How often do you say, "I wish I could help." You CAN help and NOW is the time. The purpose of the Take 5 to Give 5 campaign is to provide people with a way to give whatever they can to help those in our community who need us the most right now. A little bit really can go a long way. If we all give $5 and ask 5 people to give $5 and do the same, we can help so many people in emergency situations right here in our own community. Thank you, Senator McLachlan, for encouraging and inspiring us all to help in whatever way we can.

[David Deschenes]

Senator McLachlan hit the nail on the head with the two phrases, "charity begins at home" and "Charity begins at home but it shouldn't end there". We're all concerned first and foremost about the well being of our own family, and rightfully so. But in addition to the benefits a family can experience through its own financial stability, there are long lasting benefits to, as the Senator suggests, "starting a new tradition of service and charity in your own home". Through guided parental or care-giver volunteering, children feel valued. They learn new skills, and develop compassion and understanding for others. It also allows a family to reconnect with neighbors, their community, and spend some great quality time together.

[Ralph McIntosh]

Senator Michael McLachlan’s words strike a cord that resonates through this community and the entire country. We are in a state of fiscal crisis that is affecting the essence of free enterprise and economic stability throughout the world. We will ride out this storm, but help is needed now. United Way’s “Take Five To Give 5 “campaign provides an easy avenue to provide assistance to those with greater needs than our own. So take 5 minutes to give $5, or more if you can and forward the website to 5 or more friends and help spread the word. I thank Senator McLachlan for his eloquent words and his understanding of the necessity for philanthropic support in times like these.