The power and purpose of giving back to your community

M any people spend their lives striving to leave the communities that shaped them, to seek new opportunities. Soon forgetting that the same community they left played a role in helping them develop their courage to leave.

Giving back to your community is a meaningful way to stay connected to the people and places that supported your growth while making a difference in the lives of others. Community service is exactly what it sounds like a service that benefits the community. It can take many forms, as there are numerous ways to help others, especially in underserved communities that face systemic struggles.

Giving back during the holidays, in particular, is crucial because it is a time when families and individuals in need feel the weight of their struggles more than ever.

Why Community Giving During the Holidays Is So Important? Every community, particularly underserved ones, experiences significant challenges year-round, but these difficulties are magnified during the holidays.

Issues such as poverty, addiction, abuse, homelessness, and unemployment are more visible as families try to create a sense of normalcy and joy for their loved ones.

During this season, compassionate individuals can step in to fill the gaps left by limited systems and resources, providing assurance that even the most marginalized individuals are not forgotten.

Underserved communities often suffer under the weight of systemic barriers that oppress and limit their opportunities.

These struggles create an ongoing need for food, shelter, clothing, and care for children, the elderly, and homeless populations.

Community givers who understand these hardships can approach service with empathy and compassion, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and that their most basic needs are met.

By giving back, you act as a lifeline to individuals and families who might otherwise slip through the cracks of an overstressed system. The holidays are an opportunity to offer hope, security, and encouragement to those who feel forgotten or oppressed. It allows communities to come together and rally behind a common purpose uplifting those who need it most.

Proverbs 11:25 reminds many believers that, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” And Acts 20:35 states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” These scriptures point out the joy and fulfillment that come with helping others. God has entrusted his servants with resources to bless others, and the act of giving is a way to reflect His love and provision. When you give, you are not just meeting a tangible need; you are offering hope and affirming the worth of every individual in your community. The spirit of giving aligns with God’s teachings, reminding you that you are his stewards of His blessings and that sharing them with others is an act of gratitude.

You should give back because giving back can enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to ideas and people that will positively impact your perspective for years to come. It provides an opportunity for personal growth, allowing you to see how you fit into the larger world around you.

By being an advocate and dedicating yourself in your community to improving it, this can be a learning lesson for you to learn about the challenges people face and how to address them compassionately.

Community service helps bridge social, economic, and political gaps, promoting unity among diverse populations. It also creates opportunities for you to broaden your social network, develop new skills, and discover new passions.

Helping your community teaches invaluable lessons like patience, humility, and resilience while showing you how to navigate and connect with people from different lifestyles than yours.

Without givers, many necessary services and programs simply wouldn’t exist.

Volunteers are the backbone of many shelters, food banks, and care services, especially during the holidays. Think about being a giver because through these acts of service, you can foster trust, provide a sense of stability, and inspire hope within your community.

The way you chose to give back doesn’t require wealth or influence, simply just compassion and a willingness to act. You can volunteer at a local shelter, organize food or clothing drives, mentor young people, or support initiatives that address systemic issues in your community. Sharing your skills, offering your time, or simply encouraging others to give can create a ripple effect that transforms lives. In a world filled with challenges, your willingness to give during the holidays can remind underserved communities that they are not alone. It demonstrates that there are people who see their struggles, understand their pain, and are committed to making a difference.

Challenge yourself to start a “give-back movement,” not only during the holidays but all year round, to ensure that every person feels supported, valued, and loved. After all, in giving, you will find not only blessings for others but also blessings for yourself.

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She previously served on the Marion City Council.

Sherry Holliman

Community Commentary