It may not feel like Thanksgiving or the Christmas season just yet, but, true as Butlerites like pumpkin everything and Peter’s Chocolate Apples, it is time to turn our thoughts to annual ways to help the less fortunate in our community.

Former Butler County Commissioner Dale Pinkerton and long-time radio station owner Bob Brandon are no longer with us, but they once sat down with us over a lunch (at Jim Sweeney’s McDonald’s restaurant) and hammered out an idea to support the less fortunate of Butler County during the holidays.

From that lunch came Rotary Turkey Round-Up. Pinkerton would become more recognizable for the eventual program, but others were also instrumental in its success. It would take major organization efforts from other Rotarians, including Sir Speedy owner Peter Richdale, school administrator Ken Fair, bankers Tom Jindra and Jim Ferguson, and local merchant Carole Bitter. They each had a role to play in helping us get Rotary Turkey Round-Up off the fencepost and into reality.

To date, Rotary Turkey Round-Up has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and helped to feed many local families that might otherwise have gone hungry during the holidays.

It is time to do it again. The first check for $100 will go in the mail this afternoon. Rotary always stresses that no amount is too small, but you should give as you are able — $25 seems like a manageable amount for most, and an amount that you can use to explain to your children or grandchildren is your gift to help others. They learn best by example —as you know, the poor will always be with us — so teach them now to be generous and to share.

You can join the dozen Rotary Clubs across Butler county by sending your check to Rotary Turkey Round-Up, P.O. Box 1081, Butler, PA 16003. Rotary’s slogan is “Service Above Self.” Join them in their mission this holiday season.

—RV