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Man, it’s gonna get hot out there

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Michael A. MacDowell: Our next president needs whip-smart economic advisers not stuck on outdated policies

<p>Good cheer. Glad tidings. Great joy.</p><p>Those hallmarks of the Christmas season can seem a bit depleted by this point in the year, becoming almost as scarce as snowflakes.</p><p>Fear not, however. &#8220;Christmas in July&#8221; activities in the Wyoming Valley offer a chance to revive sagging spirits, while also replenishing shelves at area food banks and otherwise assisting the region&#8217;s less fortunate families and individuals.</p><p>At Boscov&#8217;s, the downtown Wilkes-Barre department store, patrons are asked to participate in a good-will campaign that continues through July 31. Visit the Main Street store&#8217;s fourth floor to drop off non-perishable foods. Participants should spy a donation barrel next to the store&#8217;s Christmas tree.</p><p>Other giving options include purchasing an item from among those listed on &#8220;ornaments&#8221; attached to the tree, then taking the item to the Boscov&#8217;s courtesy desk for later distribution. Or simply donate $1 at any of the store&#8217;s registers. Cash contributions will be used by Catholic Social Services to purchase items such as T-shirts, underwear and socks for homeless and other disadvantaged individuals, according to event promoters.</p><p>&#8220;Every dollar we raise goes directly to the cause,&#8221; said Irene Kelly, public relations manager at Boscov&#8217;s Wilkes-Barre store.</p><p>Meanwhile, staffers at the United Way of Wyoming Valley are drumming up support for the agency&#8217;s &#8220;Christmas in July Drive for Feeding and Reading.&#8221; By month&#8217;s end, some 72,000 pounds of food, or more, could be collected from participating businesses, which vie to provide the greatest bulk.</p><p>In support of this effort, employees at The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce have scheduled a &#8220;Christmas in July&#8221; campaign, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 30. As part of the activities, merchants will offer discounts. (Think &#8220;Small Business Saturday&#8221; sale.) Anyone who attends a temporary artists&#8217; marketplace at the Kirby Center and chips in two canned goods toward the United Way&#8217;s food drive can enter a contest to win a golf outing to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, according to event publicity.</p><p>Of course, you needn&#8217;t get involved in one of these events to rekindle a holiday mood. Instead, just extend a kindness. Do good. Show you care.</p><p>It&#8217;s an attitude that should never go out of season &#8211; no matter how wearing on your soul that current events might get, and no matter how hot the temperature.</p><style>
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Our Opinion: Allow ‘Christmas in July’ to invigorate your giving spirit