Jakubczyk on Common Sense

Applying faith and reason to ideas, issues and events in today's world

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Republic Monetary Exchange Shows Holiday Spirit

Well the holidays are here. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. And while most of us were closing shop and getting ready for family and friends, one friend of mine, Jim Clark was driving across town in a panel truck with 100 frozen turkeys to donate to St. Vincent de Paul in support of their annual Thanksgiving food drive. The president and CEO of Republic Monetary Exchange, Jim Clark has always thought well of the efforts of St. Vincent de Paul, and so in a conversation last night he decided to donate 100 turkeys to help them with the food drive.

Clark believes in helping at the local level. Years ago he would help at the food kitchen dishing out food to the homeless and those in need. He has admired the work of the organization and its outreach to the needy in the state.

The afternoon drive was eventful. There was a major accident just west of the deck park tunnel on his way to the drop off point and another collision on the 101 as he was returning to the office. But Jim took is all in stride.

He could have had someone go to Shamrock Foods and pick up the turkeys but for Jim it was important that he do it himself. "I have so much to be thankful for," he said, "and this was just a small way of giving back and helping a group that does great work here in the community."

A great surprise awaited him when Steve Zabilski, executive director of SVdP, told him that the Arizona Diamondbacks had agreed to match whatever the organization raised today.

So the 100 turkeys became 200. And once again we find that God has a hand in everything.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.