Contributed by Eddie Ezelle, Executive Director of the Mat-Su Food Bank
I ran across an article just recently by Lisa M. O’Neill in the Opinion section of the Anchorage Daily News for the 25th of November edition.
It was titled, “Americans are wildly generous at the holidays. And then it stops.”
In it, she talked about working in social services in San Francisco and how every Thanksgiving they got truckloads of donated food. Volunteers came out and were so many they had to have a wait list to help feed people, and the most valued was the donated money. Then, come January, it dried up and people forgot about them and their needs for the most part.
It seems this is a theme in all nonprofits. I often like to remind people, as politely as I can, that all of our clients, be they Veteran, Senior, homeless, or just a family and children needing a little help- all are needing whatever we supply as nonprofits, year ‘round.
People are not just hungry at the holidays, or needing clothing and shelter for the holiday month, but they need help during other months of the year. Keep in mind it is not just one family that may be cared for all year, but rather a rotating group of folks that move on as they get their feet under them. This can take months, depending on circumstances. So, the Veteran that came to see us in December is not necessarily the same Veteran that we see in April.
Everyone in the nonprofit world sees this, but few mention it to donors.
I applaud Lisa for speaking out about it.
All nonprofits try to gather and store during this “giving season”, in order to spread the bounty out over the leaner months.
I tell folks to pick a charity they believe in and can support. Hopefully it will be us, but there are other areas that need support also. I will always tell you to support your cause locally first to help those closest to you, but any donation wherever, is greatly appreciated.
Some think we are supported by the government, and in some areas, we are, but most small local nonprofits depend on you! Your monetary donations help keep the heat and lights on and a roof over our heads. It helps provide staff to maintain buildings, volunteer lists or storage for items donated just to mention a few.
The biggest needed item, however, is money. If you think nonprofits don’t need money, then I ask you to dig deeper. Some nonprofits have a business that helps support them. The difference? The money must go into the nonprofit to continue their mission, not to create a profit for employees or board members. Money is spent wisely to keep the nonprofit productive in providing their services for as little as they can. It’s why we use volunteers instead of using only paid employees.
In today’s climate of dwindling government support and foundation grants, your donations can make the difference in survival of, or the closing of a nonprofit that helps others.
So, what can you do? There are lots of ways to help, from the giving of your time, giving of items that are new or in good shape and that others might need, to donating food to your local Food Bank or Pantry.
Regularly donate money. There are many ways to give and I encourage you to contact the organization dearest to you to find the best way to help them with money. Even small amounts can add up.
Find your passion: share your skills and work with the nonprofit to improve things for them and others, and possibly yourself.
Get your children/family involved. Starting as early as possible to teach the value and good feelings in giving and helping others, it will last a life-time. It’s never too late.
But most of all, give. Give from the heart. Even small things like a smile can help change a life. Maybe even yours.
Merry Christmas!
- Eddie
