Columbia Nonprofits Encourage Year-Round Giving and Volunteerism During Holiday Season

COLUMBIA: A Season of Giving and Reflection

As the holiday season rolls into Columbia, local nonprofit organizations are busy gearing up for what is often a heartwarming time for community involvement. It’s a time when folks come together to help those in need, especially as temperatures drop and the energy bills start to rise. In the midst of it all, Georgia Mjartan, the new CEO of the Central Carolina Community Foundation, is aiming to inspire others to dive into volunteerism. With her deep-seated commitment to service dating back to her days at a children’s hospital, Mjartan is no stranger to the importance of community connection.

A Busy Holiday Season Ahead

“So many of our journeys of connection to nonprofits begins with volunteering,” Mjartan shared, enthusing about her mission to jumpstart volunteer engagement in Columbia. As we move into December, nonprofits across the Midlands are preparing for a flurry of activity, with the combination of the holiday spirit and ongoing economic difficulties from earlier this year. According to Erin Rowe, the CEO of Harvest Hope Food Bank, volunteer rates tend to surge during this time, increasing by as much as 50% in November and December.

The Perfect Storm for Giving

Rowe highlighted why the season often inspires giving, noting, “Everybody truly wants to open their hearts to help our neighbors, and it’s also a time of need with higher electricity bills and kids out of school.” Mjartan agreed, stating, “When we get to the end of the calendar year, many of us begin thinking about our charitable giving,” providing the perfect conversation starter for those ready to give back. But with all this eagerness to help, it’s also essential to remind volunteers that the community’s needs do not end with the last holiday gift.

Navigating Emotional Challenges

Working with the homeless population, Chris Love at Oliver Gospel Mission, has his work cut out for him. He told us that the holidays can bring a wide array of feelings for those experiencing homelessness. It’s a time of reflection and sometimes painful memories. Love prepares his staff and volunteers to handle the emotional landscape, ensuring they are equipped to support guests during challenging times.

Changes in Clientele

As we look closer at the changing landscape of charity work, Sam Waldrep, of The FriendShip, emphasized that people’s needs evolve as they age. “Their support networks might not be the same as when they were younger,” Waldrep explained, stressing the importance of addressing social isolation among elderly members of the community. This holiday season is not just about feeding the hungry; it’s also about fostering connections.

Ongoing Needs Beyond the Holidays

In an election year marked by unexpected challenges—from a recovering economy to the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Helene—local nonprofits have had to adapt quickly. Mark Craddock from The Salvation Army noted how rising numbers of individuals needing aid are more reflective of economic pressures than they have been in the last decade. The need is real, and it’s crucial that generosity continues beyond the December rush.

Shifting Focus and Strategies

As the busy holiday season winds down, organizations like Harvest Hope are shifting their focus. Rowe noted the importance of keeping up volunteer participation into the colder months, emphasizing that “a lot of times, we really lose sight of the later winter months, when our need is at its most peak level.” Not everyone thinks about those in need during January and February, after the holiday cheer has faded.

Need for Thoughtful Giving

Moreover, giving isn’t just about quantity. Rowe called for more mindful contributions, sharing an example that many people tend to donate frozen turkeys during Thanksgiving, which may not be the most useful item for those in need. “It’s really about encouraging them to give what’s needed, and not what they want to give,” she advised.

Looking Ahead

As we bid farewell to 2024, the hope remains that volunteers from this holiday season will carry their goodwill into the new year. Nonprofits are keen to remind everyone that the need does not wane once the holidays are over. “People need to eat the day after Thanksgiving—not just on Thanksgiving Day,” Rowe lamented, underlining the ongoing necessity for community support.

A Call for Year-Round Generosity

As Columbia’s nonprofit leaders wrap up an undoubtedly busy holiday season, the message remains clear: support your neighbors year-round! Whether you’re volunteering or making donations, every little bit helps to strengthen the fabric of the community. Let’s keep that spirit of giving alive long after the last decoration has been put away!