During the holiday season , think about the less fortunate
In our society today , people equate this time of the year to the “ Holiday Season ”.
To some , this term refers to the last quarter of the year , to some it means family , fun , and fellowship , and to others it means celebrating holidays that their families observe like Thanksgiving , Christmas , Kwanza , and Hanukkah .
Families plan gatherings and menus , workplace spirits are lifted because of impending celebrations around the office and promised days off , and children begin planning their list of demands for toys and games . Businesses anticipate an increase in revenue because of the “ holiday spending spirit ”, municipalities aid in this by adorning their cities with decorations , hosting holiday events , and holiday parades . Our schools host family friendly programs and invite parents and grandparents to share meals with their children . Our media outlets produce heartwarming productions and stories that engage viewers and readers , heightening their enthusiasm for upcoming events .
Last but not least , our nonprofit organizations use this time to tug
Adrian Cross
at the heart strings of those in their community to encourage cheerful giving , pure , genuine donations to a cause that appeals to them . These organizations are often over looked because they don ’ t have as much glitz and glamour as for-profit businesses . They don ’ t have the funds to produce major attractions that will bring out the masses . They are simply doing what they do all year … trying to get others to give of themselves to help someone in need .
At times , we can get so caught up in the energy and the shiny existence of the holiday spirit that we forget there are children , families , elderly community members , and others in need all around us . Those in need perhaps could benefit from a hot meal , a warm blanket , a liter of water , a welcoming smile , and a nice pair of shoes- a pair of shoes that
don ’ t have holes in them ; an outfit that fits them and warms them as much as a plate of nutritious food nourishes them .
Decorating for the holidays , we forget about the mother and child who need a safe place to stay , the children who may not have a school uniform that fits properly to end the semester , or the homeless man who gave his dog the last piece of bread . Lest we forget about the grandmother and grandfather who need treatment for pneumonia but can ’ t afford the cost of an office visit . Or the family that lost everything they had to a fire because they just wanted to keep the house warm .
Luckily , there are organizations that care for those in need in our community when we cannot . There are places of refuge that our families can go to for security , food , help , warmth , and a friendly smile . There is help that we can all depend on when we need it no matter where we are on our journey . Luckily , there is a place you can donate to that funds all of these safe spaces .
The United Way of East Mississippi is a community-based organization that supports other community non-profits that are community solutions . We need your help in supporting our partner agencies this holiday season . They are : Feed by Faith , American Red Cross , Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter , God ’ s Closet , Hope Village for Children , Open Arms , Meridian Freedom Project , Boy Scouts of America , Habitat of Humanity , L . OV . E .’ S Kitchen , Multi-County Community Service Agency , The Salvation Army , The Free Clinic of Meridian , Wesley House Community Service Agency , Girls Scouts of Greater Mississippi .
We appreciate you for your time and for your contribution .
Please feel free to reach out to us at the United Way of East MS for questions , donations , and to volunteer at 601-693-2732 or check out our website at www . uwem . org .
Adrian Cross Phillips is the 2022-2023 Campaign Coordinator for the United Way of East Mississippi
www . meridianstar . com
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