The signs of fall are everywhere you look. Back to school sales, peanut boils, bake sales, car washes and roadblocks are perched on each corner, vacant lot and median.

I mean, they're everywhere you look. I guarantee if you drive from home to Wal-Mart, you can count at least two bake sales, three car washes and one road block before you even make it to town.

Ever wonder what motivates these folks to give up a perfectly good Saturday?

I tell you what, I know. These dedicated people are doing their best to support their cause, fund their child's way through some sport or another or just doing anything they can to help the American public. When I read this week's Florala News, it made me proud to read that a dedicated mother made her way to the County Commission meeting to ask for support for Florala's Pee-Wee football team.

On the other hand, when I heard the reply given to her, it angered me. Parents who have the initiative to know when to ask for help and the courage to ask for that help should be rewarded. She should be applauded for her desire to support what activities her children participate in, not told to look some place else for the help needed by her organization.

I think fundraising is a fantastic, wonderful and all-around wonderful idea.

What really bugs me is this: After you count the bake sales and car washes, try counting the number of vehicles that roll up their windows and stare off in the other direction to avoid even looking like they might want to donate something.

To them, I have this to say: Do you people remember what it was like to have three kids in school who play a different sport who all have to have new shoes at the beginning of the season? I understand that many people don't have children, so they don't realize what it takes, money wise, to put any child through school, let alone school activities.

My grandmother always said, "Do unto others as you would have done unto you."

We've all heard it. Why can't we live by it?

So the next time you see a mom or a dad on the corner or in front of Wal-Mart selling chances on $100 or cakes for an upcoming holiday or even people with buckets collecting for a worthwhile organization, donate.

Something.

Anything.

No matter if it's only 2-cents. That's 2-cents that they won't have to pay. Two-cents closer to a cure for that disease or 2-cents closer to the necessary helmets and shoulder pads.

I guarantee if it were you in their shoes, you'd really appreciate the gesture. I know I would.