Ledger-Enquirer partners with Chattahoochee Valley Library System to continue Holiday Help tradition

Please don’t let there be letters left unanswered.

That’s my hope and plea every year when the Ledger-Enquirer launches it’s annual Holiday Help program, a tradition dating back more than 25 years, according to estimates of my best sources.

The premise is simple: those in our region with acute needs this holiday season pen letters describing those needs, and those in our region with the means to help have an opportunity to read those letters and address those specific needs.

When inheriting the reigns of a tradition steeped in this legacy of service, the marching orders I’ve received from our team and my friends in the community are much like those assumed when one takes charge of a nearly 200 year old institution like the Ledger-Enquirer: don’t mess this up.

It’s in that spirit that we’ve sought to not just maintain the tradition this year, but also to find ways to improve it so those most able to help will find it easy to find those most in need.

The Ledger-Enquirer will continue to act as a collection point for letters from those in need — you can either drop your letter off at our office lobby (945 Broadway), or you can mail them to us at Holiday Help, P.O. Box 711; Columbus, GA 31902-0711. Be sure to include a description of what you need along with your name, phone number and address so donors can contact you. Simple, handwritten letters are welcome and encouraged. We do not accept electronic submissions such as e-email letters or requests for help made in the online comment section of this story or on Facebook.

We’ve already started receiving letters, and we expect to have many more on hand by next week, and that’s where the new elements of this tradition begin.

This year, we’ve partnered with the Chattahoochee Valley Library System to help make sure these letters reach the widest audience possible. Beginning Friday, Nov. 30, letters can be picked up at four library branches: Columbus Public Library (main branch at 3000 Macon Rd), Mildred Terry (640 Veterans Parkway), South Columbus (2034 South Lumpkin Road) and North Columbus (5689 Armour Road). The letters will be available in easy to find locations, just look for the snowman decor or ask a staff member for assistance.

Upon choosing a letter, you will find that there are many ways to help. Needs range from caregivers requesting basic needs for children to the elderly seeking assistance with utility bills or a holiday meal. Your office may chose to adopt a letter (or three) and collect a pool to address the needs therein, or a family could use this as a great opportunity to share the experience of helping others.

Our premise with this year is simple: with the foot traffic generated across our public library system, we’re optimistic that this community will step up to ensure that no letter goes unanswered. We’re thankful to each and every one of you that helps make that happen.

Note: the Ledger-Enquirer does not screen letters, nor can it guarantee their truthfulness.

This story was originally published November 22, 2018 at 7:00 AM.