To The Reader’s Forum:

New York State is sending us money. Yes, really. Over 8 million New York residents will be receiving an inflation refund check in the mail to compensate for higher sales taxes paid this year due to inflation. These checks are either $150 or $200 per qualified individual and capped at $400 per household.

One person’s unexpected gift could be another’s godsend. Some of us are doing okay, but higher prices, along with job losses, and funding cuts to programs and organizations that provide food assistance and healthcare to people in need, are crippling other families. They have to decide whether to eat, visit the doctor, or pay their rising electric bill. Wasn’t this supposed to be the Golden Age?

Our family has made the decision to take this windfall and pay it forward.

We’re sharing this idea because we know there are others like us among the 8 million receiving checks who want to help people in our communities and are able to share this one-time gift for the greater good.

Our church has initiated a Windfall Project and is asking members of the congregation who are willing and able to consider pledging all or part of this one-time refund as a contribution to a community aid organization. But of course it doesn’t need to be a group effort through a church or other organization. You can just do it because you want to help.

You can choose from programs listed on the Chautauqua County Food Resource Guide. Or, you may know of other programs.

https://chautauquacountyny.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/Food%20Resource%20Guide.pdf

No judgment on those reading this who are unable to spare a donation at this time. We all do what we can, when we can.

Tom Meara

Jamestown