National Philanthropy Day

Yesterday, November 15, was National Philanthropy Day. (If it seems like we have a lot of nonprofit celebration days this month, keep reading!)

National Philanthropy Day signifies the importance of working together for the common good. Philanthropic deeds come in all different shapes and sizes — charitable giving, volunteering, etc. — and on National Philanthropy Day (or any other day) no act of kindness goes unnoticed.

What you need to know

Too often, when we hear the term ‘philanthropy’ we presume this only refers to individuals like Bill and Melinda Gates or Warren Buffet, people with great wealth. However, philanthropy is more than donating large amounts of money; it is each of us working together to support our community in whatever way we can based on our time, talent, and treasure. Never think that the amount you give is without merit because every philanthropic deed makes a difference no matter the size.

Let me tell you a story

Once I had an extra ticket to a nonprofit fundraiser, so I invited a friend of mine who was a single working mother - I suspected she would enjoy a night out, and I enticed my daughter to babysit for her. On our way to the event, I told my friend that while this was a fundraiser, I had no expectations that she would donate to the cause; she was just there to enjoy herself. Later that evening, when donations were collected from our table, I noticed that my guest had included a donation! Without thinking, I said to her “I told you, you were not obligated to make a donation!” (I know, how rude of me). My kind and generous friend luckily did not take offense but then explained to me that when she needed help the most, the nonprofit honored that evening, was there to help her and now she could return the support they had given her. That evening, I learned what real philanthropy looks like.

Give Local

You have until Friday to showcase your philanthropic spirit and support nonprofits in Thurston County through Give Local. Hosted by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, Give Local is an online giving campaign to support nonprofits across Thurston, Mason, and Lewis Counties. The two-week (November 8-19) campaign seeks to involve everyone in supporting their favorite local causes.

Thanks to a generous donor, each donation made during Give Local receives a proportional match from the Community Foundation’s Bonus Fund.

Make a Difference Together

This Saturday (the Saturday before Thanksgiving) is Family Volunteer Day, a Global Day of Service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods. This year, the needs are greater than ever before and though volunteering may look different, there are still so many ways to give back. Take time out with your family this season to help others and make a positive mark on the world. To learn more about this day of service and ways that you may get involved go to https://www.pointsoflight.org/familyvolunteerday/

Mass Vaccination Clinics Need Non-Medical Volunteers

Volunteers are critical to our community’s vaccination effort as we work to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. United Way of Thurston County and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services seek non-medical volunteers who want to make a difference by helping operate ongoing vaccination clinics at Capital Mall and Thurston County Fairgrounds. Volunteers must be fully vaccinated. To learn more, go to https://signup.com/group/11869865007685880125.

Season Assistance Flyer Available

If you or someone you know needs assistance this holiday season, United Way of Thurston County has a seasonal assistance flyer listing nonprofits providing food, clothing, and other essentials. To view the full list, go to https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/seasonal-assistance

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com