“It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime.” – Joan Marques
When the holiday season is in full swing, most of us focus on the “perfect” gifts to buy. Whether for a loved one, a close friend, or an admired colleague, gift-giving is an opportune time to show appreciation and gratitude for others.
However, one element sometimes overlooked during this beautiful time of year is giving unconditionally—specifically to those who may not have anything to give in return.
Every year at Brightmark, we choose an organization to donate our time, resources, and holiday spirit. With our core values of positivity, resourcefulness, and value, we must find ways to donate to those who need it most during the holidays.
In honor of the giving spirit, I’d like to share some of my favorite organizations, and I encourage you to choose one that resonates most and find ways to show your support.
For the Animal Lovers
Most of us have a favorite animal—whether it be something wild like a tiger or domestic like a house cat, animals are an incredible species. Unfortunately, many animals do not receive the love and care they should. If you feel called to help animals, a few organizations to consider are:
For Those Who’d Like to Help the Unhoused
The housing crisis is fighting an uphill battle with rising costs, recovery from the global pandemic, and various other factors. However, there is hope, and it starts with finding and supporting organizations that address the housing crisis, such as:
For Environment Lovers
The protection of the environment is critical to me and everyone at Brightmark. If you’d like to help us in protecting and preserving the beauty of the natural world, you can look into various organizations and sustainable brands, including:
For Those Who’d Like to Help Refugees
Unfortunately, this year we’ve witnessed a significant increase in displaced refugees due to the Ukraine war. While this is saddening, there are organizations you can support, like:
- Donate: Some IRC U.S. offices welcome in-kind donations such as household goods, furniture, school supplies, and gift cards to support arriving refugees.
- 1951 Coffee Company
- Made 51
So this holiday season, remember that sometimes the best gifts in life are the gifts we can give to others. As said so admirably by Anne Frank, “No one has ever become poor by giving.”
I wish y’all a merry and bright holiday.
With bright spirits,
Bob Powell
