With the holiday season upon us and the New Year just around the corner, so many of us are looking forward to the season’s promise of joy, laughter, and great cheer. The holidays are typically one of the busiest times of the year, with lots of decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, and socializing to get done – it’s also easy to see how this season can become a little overwhelming. That, coupled with the uncertainty and hopelessness the pandemic has brought on for so many people, can make the mere thought of celebrating and gift-giving even more stressful.

Because we are a co-op, giving back is a part of who we are, and our concern for community is a year-round endeavor.

That being said, it’s important to remember what the holidays are about, something this year has confirmed for us all: family, friends, and spreading goodwill and cheer to others. There’s no better way to celebrate the true meaning of the season than by giving back to those in need. And because there are still so many people who are struggling financially, as well as physically, mentally, and emotionally, as a result of the pandemic, our ability to help in any way we can make an impact is a really big deal.

So, this holiday season, consider starting a new tradition. And no matter how you choose to give, at the end of the day, any donation of time, love, and compassion will likely be treasured.

As there has been so much more time to take stock in our lives and make more deliberate decisions about how we’re showing up in the world, we want to highlight the gifts of time, love, and compassion— the gifts that keep on giving! While it’s difficult to quantify the actual impact these gifts have, we strongly believe they can make a tremendous difference in our communities, make our corner of the world a better place, and can make someone’s holiday season a lot brighter.

We encourage you to give a person, organization, or cause that you care about these gifts. In addition to them benefitting from your efforts, you will enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are helping a good cause, and you will most likely make new friends, expand your social network, strengthen existing skills, or learn a new one.

So, this holiday season, consider starting a new tradition. And no matter how you choose to give, at the end of the day, any donation of time, love, and compassion will likely be treasured.

This year and always, we appreciate your membership and ongoing partnership as we join together to strengthen our community and demonstrate the cooperative difference.Thank you again for your support, and we wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season. Happy gift-giving!