Palm Beach County has always been a land of economic extremes. Just a decade ago it was easy to generalize and say that the poorest few among us lived out west near Lake Okeechobee and in urban pockets in our biggest cities. Most of the county’s population was made up of middle-class workers and recent retirees.
Coastal and gated communities were dominated by retirees and others in upper income brackets. Think households with managed wealth, not traditional savings accounts.
While the latter remains true, the county as a whole seems poorer. As we worked to put together this year’s Philanthropy Season Preview, I was struck by the huge increase in the service that Boca Helping Hands provides around Boca Raton, one of the most affluent communities in America.
That increase is a testament to the changes in not only our national economy, but our local economy as well.
Most of the readers of this newspaper are living comfortably, and personal challenges like food insecurity are not part of our everyday lives.
Most of us can’t imagine working a full-time job and then heading over to the food bank just to make ends meet.
Fortunately, as a group, the readers of this publication have the accumulated wealth to help address this growing need.
The Coastal Star makes a concerted effort year-round to celebrate those who give of their time and wealth to improve life in our communities.
This month especially, we dedicate a significant portion of our news space to promote philanthropic giving.
Please do your part. Find one or more of the worthwhile causes highlighted in our Around Town section and dig deep. Our neighbors could use the help.
— Jerry Lower
Publisher
Replies