It is that time of year, when it’s colder outside and many of us turn on our heaters and light fires in fireplaces. The time when many of us cook and eat more. The time when we gather with friends, family, and others in our support networks in celebration and thanks. The time when we donate to make sure men, women, and children are warm in shelters for the night. People come together to provide the foods they, themselves, eat around the holidays, to those who are without food, and buy presents for those who cannot buy for themselves. This outpouring of generosity exemplifies the beauty in our community: empathy, kindness, and generosity for people we may or may not know. We give as individuals. We give as groups. We give as communities.
Very often, the media catalyzes this giving by highlighting the issues, such as hunger, homelessness, and poverty. The outcome is that more aid is possible through more awareness and more donations … during the “season.”
Unfortunately, after the holidays, giving and its promotion begin to fade. People who gave feel good because they were able to help. Yet a tremendous amount of need remains. The issues still exist. The January, February, and March winds and snow blow as people struggle to stay warm with no refuge of home. The turkey and dressing are long gone, leaving growling stomachs for many who don’t know from where their next meal will come.
I do not mean to imply that all generosity stops after the holidays. Of course, many do give year-round — both individuals and nonprofits committed to those most vulnerable in our communities. But more of us can continue to give, and perhaps just need a reminder. Below are a few examples of how to give time, treasure, talent, and testimony to ensure that people in need receive help year-round.
1. Make a commitment now to a nonprofit organization to which you can contribute on a monthly basis. Your gift can be money or time and talent — volunteering on the same day(s) of each month, or giving a special skill you have, such as accounting, home repair, or child care. Your upfront commitment helps the organization better understand the resources they will have, and what they will need to secure for the year ahead.
Be sure to be specific: Ask the organization exactly what they need. Some months it may be socks and corn, other months their storeroom may be full of corn and socks but depleted of toothbrushes and oatmeal.
If you are offering a monetary gift, recognize that in addition to providing resources to people in need, every organization needs to maintain their staff and facilities to support people. A monthly general donation is helpful.
2. Establish a giving group. A group of individuals can join together to contribute money to a fund and give to charities year-round based upon philanthropic interests. Giving together can have a greater impact than one person giving alone, and it creates a sense of community throughout the year.
One way to give as a community is through your workplace. Invite co-workers to tackle an issue with you. Just take on one issue and see how good it feels!
3. Offer testimony. Learn about the issues and needs affecting our community, and share your voice. Learn more about the solutions to the challenges people face. If you are willing to talk about solutions within your networks and with elected officials, many nonprofits will be glad to train you and connect you with speaking opportunities. The more voices that can be raised on behalf of those in need, the better. Your voice matters. It can make a difference.
Monica Buhlig is director of Basic Human Needs for, The Denver Foundation. For a list of nonprofit organizations working in Colorado in a wide range of areas, visit .
