By: Keyron Smith, One Eleuthera Foundation CEO
The holiday season is upon us—a time of gratitude, celebration, and cherished moments with family and loved ones. It is also a season of giving, a time to reflect on how we can uplift those who may not share in the same abundance and joy.
This past week, I traveled to the Southeastern U.S., where temperatures have been slightly cooler than usual, with nighttime lows dipping to 28 degrees. On Wednesday evening, as I was leaving a grocery store, I encountered a man with a little boy. The man approached me and explained that he and his son had just become homeless. The weight of his words and the genuine sadness in his son’s eyes struck a deep chord with me as I thought about the chilling temperatures outside and the long winter months ahead. I reached into my pocket and gave the man some funds for his groceries, wishing there was more I could do.
This moment poignantly reminded me of the season’s true essence. While many of us will enjoy the festivities with our families and friends, others will face challenges that are hard to imagine. This experience underscored the importance of compassion and mindfulness during this special time of year and emphasized the need to extend kindness, compassion, and generosity wherever possible.
It also made me reflect on the importance of the services and assistance provided by nonprofit organizations, community groups, and individuals who are uplifting people in underserved communities and addressing society’s pressing challenges year-round. Whether at home or abroad, these organizations often rely on the support of individuals, businesses, and communities to continue their work and make a difference.
With this in mind, I would like to share five impactful things you can do to support a community organization, local community champion, or nonprofit this season. As you plan the remainder of your Christmas and set your New Year’s resolutions, consider these ways to share the gift of giving and support communities in need through the impactful work of the third sector.
1. Find and Support a Cause You Believe In
Everyone has a cause or issue close to their heart—something they deeply believe in or that has personally impacted them or their loved ones. It might also be a cause that you feel is worth championing. Commit to supporting that cause, even in small ways, and start now. This could mean volunteering, funding scholarships, providing food assistance, sponsoring workshops, or offering essential resources to empower an organization in planning and executing its programs effectively. In addition, use your voice to raise awareness and garner support through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels.
2. Volunteer Your Time as a Family
Many organizations host initiatives and events during Christmas that need extra support. Nonprofits often organize toy drives, free community meals, or clothing drives. Groups like the Bahamas Feeding Network, The Salvation Army, and Hands for Hunger are always looking for volunteers to support their missions and help vulnerable populations. Volunteering as a family is an excellent way to create a spirit of giving, demonstrate the importance of giving back to your children, and foster meaningful family time and bonding.
3. Encourage Workplace Giving
One way to break the workplace silos is to get everyone to rally around a good cause. You can support community organizations by encouraging your workplace to get involved. Consider suggesting initiatives such as a matching gift program, holiday giving campaign, or corporate donation. Many businesses set aside funds for community donations and might be more inclined to support a cause that appeals to employees. Organizing office-wide activities, like a toy drive or a volunteer day, can boost team morale and inspire gratitude while making a meaningful difference in your community.
4. Make a Financial Donation
Financial contributions are among the most impactful ways to support a nonprofit or community organization. Consider giving to an organization whose mission resonates with you. Many nonprofits rely heavily on donations to fund programs that provide essential services for local communities. Keep in mind that nonprofits
have many of the same recurring expenses as for-profit entities, which must be paid to keep the organization functioning. While Christmas inspires the spirit of giving, generosity shouldn’t end when the holidays do. Go beyond a one-time gift—start with a monthly contribution of $20 or more to sustain a cause long-term. As you set your New Year’s resolutions, consider making a year-long commitment to a cause or organization. Monthly donations, regular volunteering, or consistent advocacy can help nonprofits continue their vital work throughout the year.
5. Provide In-Kind Donations
Organizations often need supplies, equipment, or professional services. Whether donating toys for children, canned goods for food drives, books for literacy programs, or offering pro bono expertise, in-kind contributions can make a significant impact. If you have skills in areas like accounting, marketing, HR, project management, or any other area, your expertise could be invaluable to organizations striving to maximize limited resources. Your time and experience can make an immediate and tangible difference for organizations that are typically understaffed and inundated around the holiday season. As we navigate the Christmas season, let us remember the joy of giving and the profound impact it can have on others. We strengthen our communities and the third sector when we share our voice, resources, time, and money. Remember that your contributions can help nonprofit organizations address critical needs and create opportunities for those who need it most.
One of my favorite quotes by John F. Kennedy inspires the spirit of service: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Similarly, let us not ask what someone or an organization can do for us but instead what we can do for others in our community this holiday season. Let us share our blessings and embrace the true meaning of Christmas by supporting organizations, people, and nonprofits throughout The Bahamas that are committed to social good, improving lives, and enhancing well-being.
