Today I experienced a mix of emotions while volunteering at an event that provided backpacks and school supplies to children from the Round Lake area and across Lake County. Avon Township was there as well, handing out hygiene kits to the boys and girls.
As we greeted families, talked with parents, and handed out backpacks, I couldn’t help but notice how genuinely grateful so many of the children were. Every backpack, every notebook, every little item was received with a smile.
Toward the end of the event, one young boy stood out. They were also giving away coupons for Raising Cane’s, Skate on Grand, Pizza Ranch, and Dragon Martial Arts of Round Lake. This kid was absolutely thrilled about his Raising Cane’s coupon. His excitement was contagious. It made everyone around him smile.
Then he reached the hygiene bag from Avon Township.
He looked through it like it was Christmas morning.
He stopped and asked, “Is there a toothbrush in here?”
Before the volunteer could answer, he found it.
His face lit up all over again.
He was genuinely excited… for a toothbrush.
At first, I thought it was funny and heartwarming. But as the day has gone on, and now as the sun sets and the house grows quiet, that moment has stayed with me.
And now I’m angry.
Not because of the generosity. Not because of his joy. Those volunteers and organizations are doing incredible work.
I’m angry because a child shouldn’t have to be that excited over something as basic as a toothbrush.
Children deserve food, shelter, warmth, healthcare, education, safety, and yes, a freaking toothbrush. That kind of excitement should be reserved for a new bike, a favorite book, a fishing trip with someone they love, or a toy they’ve dreamed about, not an everyday necessity.
Then I turn on the news. I read my emails. I scroll through social media.
Politicians tell us they’re going to “lower the cost of living,” “make housing more affordable,” and promise that help is just around the corner.
The reality is that the cost of living has steadily risen for decades. There have been brief periods where inflation slowed or prices dipped in certain areas, but nothing that meaningfully reduced the overall cost of living for long. Instead of pretending we’re going to make everything cheaper, maybe we should spend more time making sure people have what they need to succeed. Maybe we should prioritize investments and services that genuinely lift people up instead of simply talking about them.
We’ve become experts at talking about problems. We hold press conferences, post on social media, make campaign promises, and congratulate ourselves for caring. But children don’t need more speeches. They need more people willing to do the work.
Less talk. More action.
Less posing. More purpose.
Less asking, “Who’s going to fix this?” and more asking, “What can I do today?”
So here’s my challenge.
When you talk to your elected officials, ask them what they’re actually doing to help.
Are they showing up just long enough for a photo?
Or are they in the trenches, handing out backpacks, connecting families with resources, building partnerships, and doing the unglamorous work that changes lives?
That makes me angry.
But anger doesn’t have to become outrage. It can become purpose.
I don’t need to yell. I don’t need to insult anyone. I don’t need to tear people down.
I’ll just keep showing up.
I’ll keep supporting organizations that are making a difference, not only with donations, but with my time, my skills, and my effort.
Tomorrow morning, when you pick up your toothbrush, I hope you think about that little boy.
If that thought makes you just a little angry, don’t waste the feeling.
Turn it into something good.
Because our communities won’t be changed by more talk.
They’ll be changed by more people who simply decide to show up.
Let’s Go!
Forward Motion 
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