I spend a lot of time throughout the year asking and encouraging others to be generous.
Recently I took the time to step back and reflect a bit on why people are generous. Why do people give? And, in particular — since it is my job — why do people give to the North Shore United Way (NSUW)?
We asked some of our donors those questions recently. As we all think about our own giving over the holidays, I wanted to share some of your neighbors' thoughts on generosity.
To help my neighbors.
Many who try to "buy local" also want to "give local." The North Shore United Way is the best way, one donor told us, to offer a safety net of resources to our neighbors in need.
"Someday I might need the help," another said.
While many of us struggle to get through our gift list, people in our own community struggle to meet the basics like housing, heat, healthy meals for their family and affordable childcare. Needs are growing, while government funds are slashed. Many programs that offer help couldn't exist without NSUW support.
It does my homework for me.
How do we sort through all the worthy causes that crowd our mailboxes, flash across our smartphones, or interrupt our dinners with a recorded call?
Many donors told us that NSUW is a "smart way to give," because life is busy. We take the time — engaging knowledgeable community volunteers — to diligently evaluate programs to ensure that donor contributions are turned into effective service delivery. No one agency can address all needs. The NSUW network provides support in many areas, including food pantries, rental and heat assistance, job search, health care, childcare and in-school counseling programs for students, parents and teachers.
Brings people together.
People want to give, but they also want to connect with other like-minded folks in acts of "collective generosity." NSUW recently launched a new initiative called Women in Action, bringing together more than 80 people to help address childhood obesity and increase access to healthy food and activities for low-income families. This powerhouse group has already raised more than $20,000. The new fund will expand upon NSUW-funded programs like The Open Door that brings neighborhoods together while offering fresh, healthy food through its "mobile markets."
Can contribute more than just money.
Generosity comes in many forms. More people of multiple generations want to contribute and get involved, rather than just write checks. More than 100 NSUW volunteers give their time and talent each year to serve as board members, rigorously evaluate the programs NSUW supports, and raise money. The NSUW Family Community Service Project brings together dozens of families to work on short-term volunteer projects — a great way to teach our children about giving.
NSUW does more than collect checks; it supports and provides opportunities for collective action.
Engaging generosity is our job at NSUW and that's particularly satisfying this time of year.
I know, too, that generosity comes in all sizes. All gifts — whether $10, $100 or $10,000 — go a long way towards serving those in need. A contribution to the NSUW is not just a gift for the holiday season or year-end tax deduction. Your generosity now serves needs that know no season.
Join me and your neighbors in collectively making the world and our community a better place for everyone.
• • •
Margo Casey is executive director of the North Shore United Way. You can donate at www.nsuw.org; by sending a check to NSUW, 248 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915; or by calling 978-922-3966.
No Limits for Disabled Hunters at Mich. Base
Victim Identified in Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Radioactive Bluefin Tuna Crossed the Pacific
90 Guns Seized, Dozens Arrested in Oakland
Raw Video: Hail Storm Batters Oklahoma City
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Judge's Ruling Halts Tenn. Mosque Construction
Romney in Las Vegas on Texas Primary Day
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
