The simplest and most profound gift costs nothing
“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
MAHATMA GANDHI
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a time of reflection for many people – a time for counting blessings, giving thanks and giving gifts to express our gratitude and love.
We all need that so much right now.
People are hurting for so many reasons – loneliness, isolation, frustration, anxiety, addiction, poverty, hunger, crime. We could go on, but we don’t need to do that because you know the reasons.
“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
In the wake of Black Friday shopping and Small Business Saturday is Giving Tuesday, which its website says was created in 2012 as “a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity . ... a day that encourages people to do good.”
It encourages people to “join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community.
“Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give,” says the Giving Tuesday site. “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
The Columbus Foundation was able to establish the Gifts of Kindness fund in 2014 with $500,000 from a donor who is passionate about helping others and spreading kindness. “The goal is not only to provide financial support, but also to illustrate how acts of kindness throughout our community make a difference – and inspire others to do the same.”
Through Gifts of Kindness, The Columbus Foundation partners with more than 30 local nonprofit agencies to support individuals and families experiencing unforeseen hardships. One-time grants help individuals and families address an immediate need and continue on a path to independence and sustainability.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
MARGARET MEAD
The Salvation Army kicked off its iconic red-kettle campaign this month with more than 97% of its volunteer shifts unfilled.
But Maj. Tricia Brennan, area coordinator for the Salvation Army in Central Ohio, told The Dispatch that in 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the kettle campaign was hurt because many volunteers are retirees and were at higher risk of contracting the disease. She suspects that remains a factor in the volunteer shortage this time around.
This year, the campaign goal is $575,000, and without more volunteers to seek donations, Brennan is concerned about the nonprofit’s ability to shelter, clothe and feed the needy.
“The fundraising we do this time of year is what supports our programs next year. We want to make sure we have our (donation) locations covered and have the ability to accept any funds folks are willing to give,” she said.
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
The Salvation Army is among hundreds of nonprofits in Greater Columbus working to improve the quality of life for all. They operate on donations and with volunteers, and they are always in need of both.
Giving: A Guide to Philanthropy2021 is an annual supplement to Columbus Monthly, Columbus CEO and The Dispatch that provides information and inspiration about charitable giving and volunteerism in Greater Columbus.
It highlights some of the many organizations and their purposes, and it tells how you can help. It’s available online at https://bit.ly/3dlxhc6.
Another source for inspiration is the Dispatch Media Group’s Everyday Heroes program, which recognizes those who seek no recognition but deserve it for the work they do quietly to help their neighbors.
They provide books to children who have none, joy to children with disabilities who can play Buddy Ball because of their fundraising, shelter and food to refugees who came to this country with nothing, food to the poor, and love. So much love and kindness.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.”
ANNE FRANK
The easiest way to help, for those who have the means, is to write a check or swipe a credit card and make a donation.
The Columbus Foundation, the Midohio Food Collective, the Community Shelter Board, Faith Mission, Home for Families (formerly the Homeless Families Foundation), and the Salvation Army all are doing great things to improve the quality of life in our community.
So are organizations such as the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and local public media such as WOSU and WCBE.
Pelotonia is another worthy cause, having raised nearly $20 million so far in 2021 to fund cancer research, and more than $236 million to date to fight cancer.
There are hundreds of others. If you can write a check, pick a charity and help brighten the lives of others.
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
KAHLIL GIBRAN
A simple act of kindness is a gift, and it is free – giving up your seat on the bus, holding the door for someone in need, raking the neighbor’s leaves, sharing a smile. People need to be seen, acknowledged and appreciated. The simplest and most profound gift costs nothing.
Editorials are The Dispatch Editorial Board’s fact-based assessment of issues of importance to the communities we serve. These are not the opinions of our reporting staff members, who strive for neutrality in their reporting.