Encourage your Family to Support Local Nonprofits
If you look up the definition of “nonprofit organization,” you might read that it is an “entity operated for a collective, public or social benefit.”
In other words, it involves a group of people who are doing something to help others.
There are a million nonprofit organizations right here in Owensboro/Daviess County. Okay, maybe “million” is an exaggeration, but not by much.
There are nonprofits dedicated to supporting physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social needs of individuals ranging from infants, or even pre-birth, to the elderly … and of course, our animal friends too.
There are nonprofits focused on providing quality of life experiences, ranging from entertainment to cultural enhancements in areas of visual and performing arts.
Some community nonprofits offer advocacy in areas involving business and careers, education, personal growth and advocacy. Others provide support in overcoming trauma and other challenging circumstances.
But they all have one thing in common: A desire to make life better for all of us, by making life better for their direct beneficiaries.
Throughout the recent holiday season and end-of-year month, most of us found our mailboxes – paper and electronic – overflowing with requests for support.
“Please give.”
“You can help.”
“We need you.”
“Support our work.”
“Make a difference.”
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So many wonderful, deserving causes … so few resources.
Because the truth is, however generous our spirits may be, our bank accounts have a very definite limit.
So we choose one, or a few, charities as beneficiaries of our gifts: A one-time donation, maybe a monthly pledge, or perhaps establishing a legacy bequest.
Those dollars and checks and automatic withdrawals really do make a difference, and have a value far beyond whatever is represented by the dollar amount. These gifts also provide meaningful encouragement to the organization that their work is noticed and appreciated.
Yes: Money is important. It matters.
Maybe your gift is not monetary, but tangible: A case of canned goods. A warm coat. A donation to a nonprofit’s flea market or silent auction. Household, health and hygiene items.
To anyone who is able to give, however seemingly “small” your gift, please take heart in knowing your contribution makes a difference.
Or maybe you can give something even more valuable: The gift of your time.
There are dozens of nonprofit organizations featured in this issue of “Owensboro Parent” magazine. They – and the many, many others – all need help in one way or another.
Some of those roles put volunteers in close contact with their clients. Other roles are behind the scenes. All are essential.
Regardless of which organizations you choose to support, and regardless of what kind or level of support you give, you will discover an amazing truth:
When you support a nonprofit, our entire community benefits … but the greatest reward is yours.
