Dear Lake Travis Editor:
The world is hurting right now and I listen while my dad and mom watch the news and hear them talk about the economy. It is not doing too good.

 Then I ride with may parents around Bee Cave and Lakeway and everyone seems to be doing great. They are still building homes, new stores are opening along with restaurants, Are we not in the same condition as the rest of the United States?
How should I look at our local economy and figure out what is happening? There are now tent cities where families are living in California and these are families with kids – just like my family.
There is so much hurt and we seem to be sheltered from the rest of the world. What are we doing in our community to help others? Are there kids in Lake Travis schools in just as bad of shape as those in California living in tents? Your newspaper has nothing about those hurting where we live.
Aaron Raesz, 14
Boy Scout Troop 441
Lakeway

Aaron, you’re the reason I come to work

By Charles McClure

Editor, Lake Travis View
Aaron, you’re right. It is confusing to see the prosperity enjoyed in this community, against the back drop of a struggling national economy.
The newspaper has, in fact, published some recent articles and I have written columns about those who are suffering right here in our own backyard. The Lake Travis Crisis Ministries, as well as Helping Hands, work to feed the less fortunate in our community. And yes, the poor are always among us, no matter where we go, or what the current economic condition is. Yet while both those fine organizations are supported by local churches, the Lake Travis Thrift Store, and others, they need additional donations to help the recently unemployed or the hurting to meet other needs, like paying the electric bill or rent.
I have three grandchildren Aaron — one pretty close to your age who is also in Scouting — and two sons who have fought in wars overseas. My children have seen suffering that I cannot even imagine. And I want you to know, Aaron, that I am of relatively humble means myself.
So while some of the people in our area are better off than much of the rest of the nation, it doesn’t mean they haven’t been hurt by the bad economy, because they have. There will always be wealthy folks, and that is a good thing, because they employ people. So don’t hold their prosperity against them. Every new business that opens means that people will be employed. And yes, the economy is better in Texas than in the rest of the nation.
But I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that some people are living in tents right here in our community. You can be certain of this: I will look into it and try to report about it more in our newspaper.
In the meantime, why don’t you “partner up” with me? When I am not working, I spend virtually all of my time volunteering. For example, I am currently organizing a ministerial alliance so our local churches can improve communications between them. In turn, they will be able to help the those in need better. I have also been working to help a homeless woman with breast cancer to get the help she needed, and guess what? I had some luck there and was able to help her.
I would suggest your association with Boy Scouts is a good way to help others. It is a fine organization that teaches good works through good deeds, and I believe such principles should govern the actions of all of us.
And speaking of action, Aaron, little things can mean a lot. Sometimes, just an encouraging word to a friend experiencing difficulties can mean more than you know. I remember when I was your age, the father of a friend of mine died suddenly. I spent every day at his house with him as he dealt with the grief. Thirty-five years later, my friend has never forgotten that I came to his aid in his hour of need.
Our world needs young, willing volunteers just like yourself. Every little bit helps. If we are willing to help each other, we can find a way out of our current problems.
I know this to be true, because my father’s generation went through something very similar, only worse — much worse. My father grew up in the worst economic time in American History — The Great Depression. There were even more tent cities then than now and more than 20 percent of Americans could not find a job.
Later, my father had to go fight in World War II, where he saw unspeakable horrors, things I hope you never have to witness. The efforts of his generation changed the world for the better, and now they are called “The Greatest Generation” for their selfless sacrifices.
But, as an old saying goes, “now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their nation.” And it is true. Our nation needs caring individuals to look past petty politics for the greater good of those around us who need our help. Now, more than ever, we need a new “Greatest Generation.” Perhaps, Aaron, if you and your peers are willing to be very strong, very brave, and work very hard, your generation could earn the right to share that mantle.
Let’s start by helping Crisis Ministries and Helping Hands, because they feed and help the poor directly. Would your scout troop could raise some money for them? I would like to organize a fundraiser to help them lend aid to those who need it.
Food can be donated at the Lake Travis Crisis Ministries headquarters in the Liberty Center Shopping Center, the second storefront on the right, 109 RR 620, Suite 112, on Wednesday afternoons from 5:30-7:30 p.m., or on Thursday mornings from 10 a.m.-noon. Money can be donated by mailing a check in care of Lake Travis Crisis Ministries and send it to 109 RR 620 South, Suite 112, Austin, Texas, 78734. Call 266-9810, and leave a message. To donate to Helping Hands, either drop off food at on Tuesdays at the PPOA between 4-6 p.m., or mail a check in care of Helping Hands, at 2506 Bee Creek Road, Spicewood, Texas, 78669. For more information, call 964-9822.
But know this — these organizations need cash donations more than they need food.
I want to encourage you, Aaron. We will get through this, but it will take time and hard work. So you keep your chin up and don’t worry too much. I know this, a house divided cannot stand. But together, we can do great things.
Most importantly, talk to your parents about the problems of our world. They are your guides that will lead you to adulthood, and I, for one, think I am seeing the beginnings of a great person who will be a credit to our society as a whole.
And, if it is okay with your parents, I’d like to get to know you. Perhaps we could be friends?
You, or your troop, can feel free to call me whenever you wish, with approval from parents. My work phone is 263-1100 and my cell phone is 964-8177.
I consider myself a public servant. I, for one, think we should all consider ourselves public servants, particularly in these difficult times. And public service is what Scouting is all about.
Finally, know this: It is people like you, Aaron, that keep me humble, coming back to this job with a servant’s heart, each and every day.