Don’t be a goober: Give to Season for Sharing

Clay Thompson knew people worried about where their charitable donations go.

He liked The Arizona Republic’s Season for Sharing campaign because the process to get a grant is rigorous, the agencies carefully vetted.

And, for every $1 people donate, Clay’s masters chip in 50 cents. His masters were cheap, he used to say, so he liked to see them shaken down for cash.

But there was more to it than that. Clay liked the good these agencies do.

Like the couple who adopted four siblings rather than let them be separated. They were licensed as foster parents by Devereux Arizona, which received a $5,000 grant for a program that provides foster kids with new clothes and gift cards for other things they might need. Something of their own.

Or the dentist who arranged to fix a 9-year-old girl’s cleft palate and straightened her teeth with orthodontic work. He was the director of the free clinic at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which has received multiple grants.

To raise money for Season for Sharing, Clay chided readers not to be “goobers,” which he defined as people who know there is a need and have the means to help but don’t. In his memory, I’m picking up Clay’s anti-goober mantle this year. I suspect he’s watching you people.

Donate $100 or more, and you’ll receive a new book of Clay’s last columns, “Try Not to Worry About It, A Final Collection of Valley 101 Columns.” Donors of $500 will get a book and a planner that includes crossword puzzles so you’ll be organized and entertained.

Fill out the form on Page 4A of today’s Republic and mail it to Season for Sharing, P.O. Box 29250, Phoenix AZ 850389250. Make sure to address it to “Don’t be a Goober.” Donate online at sharing. azcentral.com or facebook.com/seasonforsharing.