Columnists Ahoy 1

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus-20111125,0,1228881.column?page=1

In this article, David Lazarus explains the importance of giving during this time of year. He discusses the growing need for contributions at aid organizations for those who cannot afford basic commodities. Lazarus outlines that the need is even greater now than it has been in the past due to the economic crisis in the country today. With more people being unemployed or underemployed, there are more people who find it difficult to purchase basic needs for their families. Not only is the demand for these commodities and charities increasing, but the supply is substantially less than it has been in years passed. Economic strains have caused fewer people to donate, and the department of food and agriculture has cut a significant portion of their subsidies to these charity groups.

Lazarus' purpose is made clear in the development of his argument towards donation to charity. He uses specific statistics to reinforce the statements he makes about why philanthropy is more important now than ever before. For example, Lazarus states, "A record 330,000 residents are being served each month at the 600 pantries supplied by the L.A. food bank, up 73% from the start of the recession in 2008." These statistics support his reasoning, and he follows them with appeals to logic. Lazarus explains the amount of food generated from holiday parties and how easily the leftover food can be donated, "with so many businesses holding holiday parties, is that leftover prepared meals can be donated to charity."