Buck-a-Hit Day is a week from today (Jack Bog's Blog)

It's time to start planning for Buck-a-Hit Day, our annual holiday gift-giving blowout on this blog. This will be our seventh year of doing this, and like last year, it's a tough time for philanthropy. The needs have never been greater, but the money people have lying around to provide help is as scarce as hen's teeth.

Hard times be darned -- we'll still give a hard-earned dollar to charity for everyone who visits here next Wednesday, December 16, up to $1,200, which is the Bogdanski family contribution this year. We'll also be passing the cyber-hat and ask readers to donate as well as visit. With any luck, our benefactors who have challenged readers in past years will return to up the Buck-a-Hit limit and match reader contributions. (You folks know who you are; please drop me a line as soon as possible if you can return in that role! New benefactors are also welcome.)

As is our custom, we'll run our annual comment contest, in which the reader who leaves the best comment relating to the season (chosen by reader vote) will get to steer part of the contributions to a charity of his or her choice. More details on that as we get closer.

Last year we smashed all expectations and raised $10,115 on Buck-a-Hit Day. It will be difficult to get to that level again this year, but let's hope the spirit of the season makes it happen. Even if you're too broke to donate, all you have to do to participate is show up here again next Wednesday, as early in the day as you can make it. Just by visiting this site, you'll separate me from a dollar and send it to a good cause.

Comments (8)

My furnace went out last night. It figures,
but I'm blessed because I can afford to get it fixed today. Can't get a service guy for a couple more hours, but no big deal because it will get fixed.

As it continues to grow colder in here (by the second frankly)it got me thinking a lot more about those who may have to do without any heat or proper food this winter. Nothing like a little reality check.

Thanks for the effort in getting some dollars together so you can head them in the right direction.

Posted by Gibby | December 9, 2009 6:10 AM

Nominating a recipient for the proceeds may be a little premature, but last night I met this guy downtown with a pretty sad story. He is a contractor from Welches whose truck was stolen. He was such a pitiful sight, just standing there holding the keys and needing some cash to get home.

Posted by none | December 9, 2009 7:25 AM

Gibby,

My furnace also died this morning! I can't imagine surviving this weather without sufficient heat. I am hoping for the repairman to show up this morning.

Unfortunately the numbers of needy always outstrip our ability to assist. I will certainly check in next Wednesday with my meager donation...

Posted by Dean | December 9, 2009 8:17 AM

It was so cold that yesterday I did not even see the regulars out by the freeway on ramps begging for cash.

Posted by portland native | December 9, 2009 8:24 AM

We had a pipe burst yesterday -- I ran out and shut off the house main supply valve, and our plumber was so with it that he had us back in business within two hours. We didn't even miss so much as a shower at home.

Later last night, my wife and I were walking home and passed a disheveled blanket/ shopping cart crash pad on top of a small overlook near a creek -- I glanced and saw the occupant having a smoke on the lee side of a building. My wife stopped to look at the pile of blanket, and the man said quietly "It's just me."

Then we went home to our warm 3-bedroom house not far from there and I wondered what would have to happen to make me feel it was safe to offer the guy a room out of the freezing cold.

Posted by George Anonymuncule Seldes | December 9, 2009 10:43 AM

Speaking of annual traditions, has a date been picked yet for the Virtual Christmas Party?

Posted by Rich | December 9, 2009 6:33 PM

My furnace has been on its last legs since last winter - but had already scheduled the replacement for this week, before the cold weather hit. The two fellows got most of it in on Tuesday, but one had to come back today at 7:00 a.m. to finish - I took a space heater to the basement (which is finished, but just cement walls) around 6:30 a.m., and it read 38 degrees - I'm guessing low 40s on the main and upper floors. So, yes, I too wonder how those living on the street can even survive.

And, even if money is tight, get creative - most of us have old sweaters, coats, blankets, etc. that we never wear that we could give away. Socks are cheap, but could make the difference in losing toes.

And, G.A.S., I too wonder about asking if someone would want to bunk in the garage, the safety, etc., but it's just not prudent. I wish we didn't live in that kind of world.

Posted by umpire | December 9, 2009 6:44 PM

has a date been picked yet for the Virtual Christmas Party?

We are thinking about doing it on Thursday the 17th or Monday the 21st.

Posted by Jack Bog | December 10, 2009 1:05 AM

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Buck-a-Hit Day is a week from today

Comments (8)

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