We're past #GivingTuesday and approaching the end of the year. Maybe in the chaos of this very different holiday season you haven't gotten around to some of your usual charitable donations. There are also unexpected $600 checks in the offing for many. What can you do with that right now that would have maximum productivity for our area? Below are some ideas and links for both giving and getting help.
It has been a long year for everyone. The valley suffers from more than its fair share of economic hardship and the pandemic has sent people already in need into greater duress and also driven additional individuals and families newly into those ranks. So many people are hurting. At the same time, there are also many for whom the pandemic has reduced their spending and even those for whom it has increased their income. Maybe you are in that latter category or even just holding steady this year but the coming one-time federal stimulus payment won't be that crucial for you. Please consider donating to some of the local organizations valiantly working to ensure everyone in the region has access to the basics: food, shelter, home heating, clothing, education, and medical care.
The list of local resources for assistance remains largely the same as in the spring, with a big focus on getting people into the pipeline by having those in need contact 211, either by dialing 211, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting nepa211.org online. That program will then connect the caller to the right local resources to address their specific needs.
The Daily Item did a great front page article about all the work being done by social service organizations in the Dec 20 Sunday edition. Pick your agency to support. Just do what you can to support your neighbors.
For a partial list of organizations that welcome public support in no particular order, consider
- the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency,
- the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way,
- the Union/Snyder Area Agency on Aging,
- the Salvation Army,
- the Eastern Union County Supplemental Food Program,
- Meals on Wheels,
- the Donald Heiter Community Center,
- Getting Ahead in the Valley,
- etc...
Perhaps you don't have funds to share, but you may have time. Volunteers are needed to assist with so many of the service agency activities, whether it's a milk give-away, a mask drive, regular food bank staffing, etc.
And of course we hope people remember that we need everyone to help our economy and local businesses by continuing to support them, especially during this period of increased restrictions on restaurants and bars. Online ordering and delivery can work for some places. Or just call and make arrangements for curbside pickup.
One thing we have found in this year of so much take-out is that everyone seems to want to get take-out at the same time. Consider picking an off night to place your orders. Tuesdays for take-out and/or tacos? Walking Taco Wednesdays? Curbside Thursdays? Maybe integrate to-go cocktails from your preferred local bar into zoom happy hour.
Local entrepreneur and business owner Coleby Kauffman has put together a shared online portal to assist local businesses that may want to expand their online offerings right now but aren't equipped to create a website from whole cloth. Check out ShopSmol.com. Encourage business-owners to take advantage of it if they don't already have an online option.
