“Use your Time, Your Talent and Treasures to leave the world a little better place than you found it.” (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Selzer

As I looked at the date today I realized there are only about 10 days left to shop for Christmas gifts. 

Christmas is the annual remembrance of the birth of Christ and the gift he gave to the world. It is a time when we reflect on what we have and time we share with our friends and family.

This year when my kids asked what I wanted for Christmas I told them nothing-I have everything I need and realize that so many do not. I also know that there is not enough money to meet every need of this community-that is in part why I do what I do for a living. You see I run a fundraising organization called Community Health Charities and it is dedicated to providing the much needed research, advocacy and patient services to local communities much like United Way works at impacting the greatest needs of our community.

Recognizing that there is so much to do and limited resources I remembered the words of a very wise man, my father, “Use your Time, Your Talent and Treasures to leave the world a little better place than you found it.” Those words have been stuck in my head as it reminds me I can give my talents to help organizations in this community, I can give my time to help my neighbor or my church and yes I can use my treasure to make donations to organizations who make an impact in our community.

Besides the health organization’s I support through my daily work this community is blessed to have one of the best United Way programs in the Nation. It is integrated in all levels of our community and works day and night to make an impact on our greatest needs.

Our local charities rely so heavily on our continued support and we receive so many benefits from their work that we would be remiss to neglect any of them at this time of year. So, when you are looking for that perfect gift for someone you care about, consider a donation of you time, talent or treasure in their name.

As for me, I hope my friends and family are listening today and give me a simple card that says they thought of me when they did a kind act for someone or made a gift to help the communities United Way Drive. That’s about the best gift anyone could ask for.

Dave Selzer and his wife Barbara have lived in McLean County since 1985. They have raised 4 children here and have on granddaughter. Dave is currently the President and CEO of Community Health Charities of Illinois.

Dave served in various capacities in the community including the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, The Red Cross Board of Directors, Chair of the zoning board in the town of Normal and was elected as Vice-Chair of the McLean County Board.

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