In this season of giving ... Consider 'Giving Back'
We have entered the season of giving. For many, this means opening their wallets to donate to charities and community service groups. These donations are important to the bottom line of many non-profits, but if you’ve got more time than money, read on for other ways you can help strengthen your community without writing a check.
Many non-profits rely on volunteers to complete their charters. For example, Mainspring of Ephrata operates with two full-time employees and a literal army of dedicated volunteers. Mainspring holds over 20 events throughout the year to help build our community. Our committees of volunteers are essential to producing and running programs such as Party on the Plaza, Ephrata Brewfest, Veteran’s Memorial Walk, and even the Tree Lighting and Santa’s arrival.
This year, Mainspring has added Ephrata Unexpected so residents can ring in the new year together at the town square. There will be fireworks, food trucks, brew trucks, and entertainment from 9:30-Midnight. AND Volunteers are needed to staff and run this event. Our volunteer positions are listed at this link, please sign up today! If you are looking to give back, Mainspring needs you!
Nothing boosts the spirit like a nice surprise. Consider raking a yard or shoveling a driveway for a neighbor. Next time you’re making dinner, make a few extra servings, box it up and take it to someone in need. If there is a little extra money in your budget, support local businesses by buying gift cards in smaller denominations and use them as gifts or pass out to strangers on the street!
Mainspring is growing local economy by using our networks and resources to help our local businesses promote themselves, we work with property owners and their tenants to improve the facade to make our town a place where people want to come to shop and do business.
You can help grow our economy by making our local businesses your first stop when looking to purchase goods and services. To keep these businesses afloat, they need your patronage. It’s hard to compete with the ease of a keyboard and fast delivery, but these entrepreneurs have a vested interest in improving the lifestyles for those in our area. When we help make them successful, more and different types of businesses will also be attracted to Ephrata.
Strong communities don’t build themselves. Find an organization or a cause that you love, reach out and ask how you can get involved. Spending time enriching your community allows you to surround yourself with people who are dedicated to bettering the things in this world that matter to you. Many volunteers also report gaining a unique sense of purpose by helping to serve those around them and find that this feeling often manifests positively in other areas of their lives.
Shamelessly borrowing (and slightly amending) a line from the Grinch Who Stole Christmas – “Maybe ‘giving back’ doesn’t come from a store. Maybe ‘giving back’ perhaps, means a whole lot more.”
Giving back to the place you call home helps to unite the community and bridge social, economic, and political gaps. It also empowers you to take an active part in the future of your community. Mainspring welcomes (and needs) your volunteerism, and so do other local organizations. Don’t be shy, take a page from the furry Green one’s book and let your heart grow a few sizes this giving season.