The Joy of Giving

As the holidays approach, the season of giving comes around once again. A lot of us experience the pressure to buy one-of-a-kind presents for our family and friends. However, the problem is many people are unable to afford buying expensive gifts or toys. One solution to this problem for the upcoming holiday season is to consider giving charitable donations or volunteering your time in lieu of buying more stuff. The holidays should not be about getting new things, but rather showing our care for others. Commonly, people consider donating unused toys or clothing to charities. This allows these items to be passed on to children and families who truly need them. Reducing waste by repurposing what we already have is definitely beneficial for the environment. However, there are other ways to take action, giving back to charities in need, and attribute your efforts to a family member you admire. Or better yet, get a group of friends and family together and focus your collective energy on creating a better local environment for our less advantaged citizens here in Bozeman. This season, try to show care not only for your loved ones, but also for people in need and for charities.

There are many charities that make excellent candidates for your time and attention right here in Bozeman. One is the HRDC (Human Resource Development Council). According to Emma Hamburg of the HRDC, “The HRDC is a local nonprofit that exists to instill hope, develop solutions, and change lives. We have nearly 50 different programs across Southwest Montana. HRDC serves and supports over 12,000 individuals yearly, and this number continues to grow quickly with our increasing population, and with it, the cost of living. Our goal is to impact our community in positive ways that allows anyone to move out of challenge and crisis into a state of thriving.” You can get involved by volunteering, hosting a supply drive, or simply spreading the word. 

Another organization worth mentioning is the Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW). As indicated by Liz Shull of the WQW: “Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW) guides veterans and their loved ones to thrive and find peace, meaning, and purpose through fly fishing and other inspirational activities in nature, like backpacking, canoeing, and elk-archery hunting here in Montana.” You can help support them by donating, or even fundraising to support the nonprofit. 

These are just two of many charities that exist in the Bozeman area. You can find plenty of ways to raise money around the valley. For example, you can organize fundraising events or campaigns. Another option is to create an online crowdfunding campaign where you can share the story of the charity you support and encourage others to donate. Furthermore, you can explore volunteer opportunities within the charities themselves, even if direct client interaction is limited. When you present the check to the charity, make sure you do it in honor of the person you want to acknowledge during the holidays. When you choose to give back during the holidays, you're choosing to make a positive impact on the world.