A good idea is taking shape in the Share the Spirit campaign that will be launched this week by local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Thirty businesses in Ketchum and Hailey will donate a percentage of their holiday season revenues to nonprofit organizations of their choice.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the businesses listed in a full-page advertisement in this week's newspaper will take the cream of their sales and direct it to the worthy causes listed in the ad and displayed inside their businesses.
The causes are near and dear to the hearts of everyone who inhabits the Wood River Valley. The well-known nonprofits focus on families, arts, wellness, transportation and homeless animals. Every day of every year, they work to make the valley a better place.
The recipients of the largesse of these businesses and their customers will range from struggling families, disabled veterans, or homeless animals to artists and the great environment we enjoy in Idaho.
The plan is sound. The concept is simple, generous and timely. Even a grumpy Scrooge could not deny the strength of such a partnership and its appeal.
The only piece that remains for the plan to succeed is for shoppers and diners to open their hearts and pocketbooks to embrace the Share the Spirit campaign.
People who shop and dine locally will do good at the same time. Doing good and checking off the Christmas list can't get much easier than that.
Share the Spirit is an idea we hope to see catch fire and spread beyond the retailers and restaurants that started the campaign. It's an idea worthy of everyone's support.
