This Thanksgiving, salute the volunteers among us, and then join their ranks
Enough with the criticism, denunciation and carping. Today, we are not here to lament, complain or even to opine about the political division and culture wars that have had us at each other’s throats this year.
We are here, instead, to acknowledge the unacknowledged, the unsung. These are the people among us who are leading with their hearts, thinking with the welfare of this community in mind and acting for the greater good.
These are the friends, family and neighbors for whom we should give thanks — both today and far beyond.
In so many ways, it’s the volunteers who show up for us. Think about it. They clear the roadblocks to so many aspects of our lives; they smooth the path, compensated only with the satisfaction of a job well done. Often, we don’t even notice.
The Miami Foundation’s recently concluded Give Miami Day was a spectacular display of volunteerism. No one had to make a contribution, really. But, as has been the case, year after year recently, the members of this community dug deep, donating more than $32 million to scores of local nonprofit organizations that are doing the work that, unfortunately, few notice — but would if their good work stopped. These organizations are closing learning gaps; advocating for our stressed environment; giving homeless people shelter; helping community gardens flourish; giving scholarships so that a next generation of young Miamians can flourish, too.
This is a community of philanthropists. The final take on Give Miami Day is proof.
It goes without saying that South Floridians are pretty much experts at leaping in after a disaster blows through. Hurricane Ian left thousands of people without much of anything but shock and heartbreak in late September.
Though it was Southwest
Florida that took the direct and devastating hit, a Miami-based organization joined so many others in providing relief. Global Empowerment Mission responds to disasters around the world. It deployed truckloads of supplies and established partnerships in the affected areas, providing emergency and humanitarian aid, as well as support in rebuilding efforts.
In some domains, giving of time and self has become more fraught. This year, for instance, election poll workers were under heightened scrutiny and increased pressure, as the possibility of voting disruptions loomed before Election Day. Fortunately, nothing like that materialized in Miami-Dade. But the volunteers showed up, willing to be the buffer that protected the integrity of our votes.
Today, and through the holidays, thousands of South Floridians are serving meals to people who might otherwise have little to eat. People are poised to buy gifts and wrap them for children who wouldn’t have pretty boxes to unwrap. Our hat’s off to them, too.
It’s a spirit of giving, and giving back, that is welcome throughout the year.