A Christmas wish come true

by Inter Lake editorial
| December 25, 2009 2:00 AM

The holiday season in the Flathead Valley was made a little brighter this year with the recent news that the Montana Army National Guard’s 639th Quartermaster Company is expected home from Iraq sometime around Jan. 1. It’s a Christmas wish come true for families of the 130 soldiers who have spent the past year far away from their loved ones.

Yellow ribbons have been hung everywhere in downtown Kalispell and other places in preparation for the homecoming. The unit is completing its second tour in Iraq, and we are happy to join with all Flathead residents in welcoming them home with open arms.

ALL WAS CALM, all was bright at the annual Christmas Eve luminaria display on Rose Crossing that has become such a rich part of Flathead Christmas traditions. Every year neighbors and friends in that area assemble 1,500 luminarias to light a two-mile stretch of Rose Crossing. And every year hundreds of vehicles make the trip because it just wouldn’t be Christmas without viewing this spectacular display.

The community-oriented low-tech display created by placing candles in bags of sand is a tribute to the simple things in life and neighborhood camaraderie at its finest.

UNITED WAY is in need of some extra Christmas cheer as it heads into the final stretch of fundraising. The economic downturn in Northwestern Montana has made it especially difficult for this organization to raise the money it needs to help all kinds of other agencies.

As of late December, the campaign had raised just $468,145, or 55 percent of its $850,000 goal. If you’re looking for a one-stop place to deliver your charitable donations before the year ends, United Way is the way to go. Last year United Way member agencies helped close to 57,000 people in need. And 99 percent of all money raised stays here to help local citizens.

There are many, many Flathead citizens who will need a hand up in the coming year. Let’s help each other wherever and whenever we can. The spirit of giving that seems so easy at Christmas should inspire us all year long.