As the holiday season approaches, it brings with it great opportunities to connect with our local communities and embrace the season of giving. If you're looking for ways to explore the holiday spirit, starting with your local community is a great place.
Volunteer Opportunities:
One of the most impactful ways to give back to your community is through volunteering. Local charities, shelters, and community organizations often need extra hands during the holiday season. Consider spending a few hours of your time helping out at a food bank, soup kitchen, or organizing a community event. Volunteering not only provides direct assistance to those in need, but also fosters a sense of togetherness.
Support Local Businesses:
The holiday season is a crucial time for small businesses in our communities. Instead of turning to large corporations for your holiday shopping, explore the unique offerings of local shops and markets. By supporting local businesses, you contribute to the economic well-being of your community and help create a vibrant and diverse local economy.
Host a Community Gathering:
Bring neighbors and friends together by hosting a holiday gathering or potluck. Whether it's a festive dinner, a tree-lighting ceremony, or a community caroling event, creating spaces for people to come together fosters a sense of unity and belonging. Encourage everyone to bring a dish to share and share stories of holiday traditions.
Donations and Drives:
Organize or participate in donation drives to collect essential items for those in need. Winter clothing, non-perishable food items, and toys for children can make a significant impact. Collaborate with local schools, churches, or community centers to ensure your donations reach those who need them most.
Kindness Advent Calendar:
Create a kindness advent calendar for your community. Each day leading up to the holidays, encourage residents to perform random acts of kindness. This could include leaving a kind note for a neighbor, shoveling snow for an elderly person, or simply smiling and greeting strangers.
The holiday season is a time to reflect on the importance of community, compassion, and connection. By actively engaging with our local communities, we can make a positive impact and spread the joy of giving. Whether through volunteering, supporting local businesses, or organizing community events, there are countless ways to embody the true spirit of the season.
As volunteers, eager participants, and community bankers, at Idaho First Bank, we put our community first. We support various organizations that are serving Idaho and Oregon people and communities. During our company-wide Community First Week, we close all our branches early to give our team time to volunteer with local organizations and provide much-needed services throughout the communities in which we live and work.
To learn more about how we support our communities, or to submit a donation request to our Community First Committee please visit here.