By Meredith Beug
Christmas is the most family-centered of all times. As we rejoice in our blessings let us think of those who are less fortunate and of what you and I can do to help them.
Let me tell you about a little boy, one of many in Texarkana that you can help.
Rusty Taylor is a 10-year-old boy who found his mother dead in her bed. Rusty’s mother was 80 percent bed-ridden. She needed surgery but the family was too poor to afford it. Rusty’s father is partially paralyzed from a stroke. He tries to find work but because of his condition, he usually can not.
Mrs. Taylor’s death was needless. She had blood poisoning. One shot of penicillin could have cured her.
You see, none of the local welfare services would help—the hospital would not admit her; the family didn’t have money or insurance—the doctor wouldn’t make a house call or wouldn’t demand her being admitted into the hospital.
Rusty did all of the housework, but his parents saw that he was in school. He was offered free lunch at school but refused. He wanted to run home at noon to see if his mother was alright.
Rusty found his mother dead in her bed. He knows her death was not called for.
Will you help Rusty and his father have a good Christmas? They can’t have a happy Christmas—Rusty’s mother would have been 48-years-old this Christmas day.
You and I can make this the best possible Christmas for the Taylors. They need everything, anything. Food, clothing, soap, money, . . . everything. Rusty wears a size 12. His father wears a size 38 jacket, 34-31 slacks, 8½ shoes.
Will you take your gift to the Texarkana, Tex. police department? Or call them and they will pick up your gift?
This Christmas, won’t you take the time to help another person? Won’t you give of yourself to help Rusty? Both you and Rusty will be better for it.