The Old Townie: Thanks for our empathies
Oxford has no shortage of nonprofit organizations to give to this holiday season. While Miami University receives plenty of high-profile donations, columnist Steve Schnabl writes that residents and alumni alike should consider giving to smaller local nonprofits.
Oxford is rich in local, effective nonprofit organizations that address issues and interests to make our exhibit caring for our neighbors.
Of course, the largest local nonprofit is Mother Miami with a large fundraising staff and a recently-announced $1 BILLION campaign goal. Nice.
When Oxford had a United Way specifically for our community, I think I remember an annual goal between $150,000 and $200,000 (verified). There is now a county-wide United Way, and my guess is that far less than that older amount is awarded to our local agencies.
Believe it or not, Oxford has homelessness, hunger, child abuse, spousal abuse and problems caused by drugs and alcohol involving local citizens, our neighbors.
Miami has a huge base of potential donors among its administrators, faculty, graduates and business connections. One corporate CEO and graduate recently gave $2 million to provide scholarships for athletes on the men’s basketball team at Miami. He also got a $10 million signing bonus to move from one corporation to another. Both have local outlets in Oxford, yet Oxford has no indoor full-sized basketball court for our kids to become skilled in the sport, besides having fun.
But I digress. Local need has spurred Oxford citizens to start TOPSS, Family Resource Center, Thread Up Oxford, Oxford Seniors, the Oxford Community Foundation, McCullough-Hyde Hospital, Oxford Free Press, Oxford Community Arts Center, the Free Clinic and others which bring their band-aids for the wounds to be addressed.
Local residents are generous; during this season of Thanksgiving, I ask — really implore — that you look into your heart and wallets between now and Dec. 31 to donate directly to one or more of the local charities that need your help so very much.
I was elated that we successfully adopted the local fire and EMS levy. We understood the importance.
I am hoping to reinforce the realization that our local nonprofit resources also have great importance to our friends and neighbors.
I give thanks for you. Please give generously, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Steve Schnabl moved to Oxford in 1985. He retired in 2023 from Oxford Seniors after a 40-year career directing nonprofits.
