Family Matters
August, 2006

What Businesses Support the Eldersburg Community

Recently a friend of mine undertook an activity to solicit donations for an Eldersburg non-profit. The task was to obtain about $75 from several local businesses to support an upcoming event. Bear in mind, this non profit organization has given over $750,000 directly to Eldersburg.

It was interesting that most businesses asked donated and those that couldn’t, gave prizes. This is with one interesting exception. The local nail salons owned which spoke very good English practiced the old dodge and weave. One business forgot how to speak English altogether once they were asked for a donation and the self-introduced owner was no longer the owner.

I think this community should refrain from supporting businesses that do not support the community. These nail salons are parasites sucking the blood from the community while they contribute absolutely nothing. The same could be said for the non English-speaking cleaners in the Eldersburg area. Perhaps they are in the same club.

Not all businesses owned and operated by non-English speaking people are parasites. And not all business which speak English are not parasites. For example: then next time you have your prescription filled ask the store manager what local charity’s they contribute money or goods to. You will find that Wal-Mart contributes money to every non-profit that asks and CVS does not contribute to any non-profit no matter who you ask. Think about that the next time you make your shopping decisions.

Part of being a community is that we support each other. The community supports the local businesses, local businesses support local charities and local charities support the families in the community.

Communities need to stick together. That is the single most important aspect of being a community. The dictionary defines “community” as
1. A group of people living in the same locality and under the same government.
2. A group of people having common interests.
3. Sharing, participation, and fellowship.

Your shopping dollars are a weapon of choice. I encourage you to choose where you spend your money wisely. If you live in Eldersburg, patronize those businesses which reinvest a portion of their revenue in your community. Frequent the businesses which demonstrate a commitment to the community.

Hugh Jensen

Click to read Previous Family Matters columns by Hugh Jensen

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