Ordinary People Can Make a Difference--Annie Tacha

Ten-year-old Raises Funds for K-9 Unit

Adapted from stories in the Omaha World Herald

Grand Island, Nebraska ten-year-old Annie Tacha wanted to raise $1,000 to help the Hall County Sheriff's K-9 unit purchase a bulletproof vest.
Chief Deputy Chris Rea asked her to consider raising $5,000 for a new dog. Their 12-year-old service dog, Ringo, had retired, and their other, Brix, had developed cancer.
Annie decided to raise enough money for the dog and the vest.
Through car washes, walking dogs, and talking to reporters, she has now raised more that $14,000!
This money will be used to purchase two dogs.
Through her efforts, Annie has inspired other children to raise funds. One unnamed girl brought in $20.50 that she had raised at her lemonade stand.
Oftentimes in our lives, we see a need in our community, and hope that the government, or some other person will step up and satisfy it.
We look to others to seize the challenge, take the risk, and make the effort.
Annie Tacha is a wonderful example of a 10-year-old who decided to make a difference. Her courageous and caring effort not only satisfied the canine unit's need, but inspired an entire community.
We all have the goodness in us to do similar acts of heroism. Ours may not be as dramatic--but they may be needed as much.
Let's all look around us, find needs that should be satisfied, hurts that can be healed, and lowered countenances that can be lifted up.

Related Quotes:
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
Winston Churchill

"Always do right - this will gratify some and astonish the rest." Mark Twain

"It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." Anne Frank

"A big man is one who makes us feel bigger when we are with him." John C. Maxwell

"The time is always right to do what is right." Martin Luther King Jr.

"Beyond your regular vocational duties are responsibilities toward others--toward the community, the state, the nation, society in general, and the church of which most of you are members. The attention you give to these, the energy you devote to these are of the essence of your character and your virtue"
Gordon B. Hinckley