‘America is great because she is good’ and the gift of giving
(BENTON, Ky.)-As we approach Christmas, we are reminded of the timeless message of hope, generosity, and love that this season represents. It is a time when families gather, communities unite, and faith is renewed. But above all, Christmas calls us to give. It leads us to extend our blessings to those who may be struggling. The story of Christmas is one of selfless love. The birth of Christ was the ultimate gift, freely given to humanity. That gift was not delivered through decree or program—it was given through divine grace. In the same way, our acts of charity should flow from the heart, not from compulsion.
History shows us that the greatest movements of compassion have sprung not from bureaucracy, but from ordinary people choosing to serve. In 1887, a priest, two ministers, a rabbi, and a woman in Denver came together to coordinate aid for their neighbors. Their effort became the United Way, which today mobilizes millions to support families and communities.
In 1901, Mary Harriman Rumsey, a 19-year-old in New York, organized 80 young women to improve conditions in immigrant neighborhoods. Their effort became the Junior League, which has since grown into an international network of women volunteers dedicated to community improvement. Even earlier, in 1890, journalist Jane Cunningham Croly helped found the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, uniting thousands of local women’s clubs to promote education, civic reform, and volunteer service. In 1905, attorney Paul Harris gathered friends in Chicago to form the Rotary Club, the world’s first service club, built on fellowship and humanitarian service. And in 1915, businessmen in Detroit founded what became Kiwanis International, shifting quickly from networking to a mission of serving children and strengthening communities. These organizations remind us that compassion thrives when people unite voluntarily, inspired by love and responsibility.
When we give of ourselves—whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply offering a hand to someone in need—we strengthen the bonds of community. We remind one another that we are not alone. And in doing so, we honor the very spirit of Christmas: the gift of love freely given. This season, let us embrace the opportunity to act personally, just as generations before us did when they built these enduring associations of service.
- Donate to a local food pantry or shelter.
- Support charities that uplift families and children.
- Volunteer your time at a community event or church outreach.
- Check in on elderly neighbors or those who may be alone during the holidays.
True charity does not begin with institutions—it begins with individuals. It begins with neighbors helping neighbors, churches opening their doors, and families choosing to share what they have. The founders of United Way, Rotary, Kiwanis, the Junior League, and the GFWC understood that lasting strength comes from voluntary generosity, not compulsion. French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville marveled at this spirit when he toured America in the 19th century, observing how citizens formed associations to meet needs freely. He famously remarked, “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
Christmas is not about what we receive—it is about what we give. And when we give freely, we not only bless others, we enrich our own lives. That is the true miracle of this season. By choosing to give, we honor Christ’s example, strengthen our communities, and preserve the values of compassion and responsibility that define us as Americans.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Chris.Freeland@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
