December, Christmas and Philanthropy Have a Lot in Common

Why should we help others? What have others done for us? These are questions we sometimes ask ourselves when we are talking ourselves out of being philanthropic. The two most precious commodities that we have are our time and our money. Between work and busy personal lives, we often feel like we don’t have enough time for the things we care about most––our families, our friends and our hobbies. I would argue that we should also spend more time focused on our communities. Our communities is where philanthropy comes in.

Some might ask "What is philanthropy?" Philanthropy is a term used to refer to organizations and efforts focused on promoting causes and addressing issues in society. These can range significantly - For example, philanthropy could involve protecting the environment, feeding the hungry, curing cancer. There are so many philanthropic causes and organizations that offer opportunities for communities to do great things and make a difference. Volunteering of time and money are two of the most common ways of showing support.

We all have busy lives though, so why should we help. What's to gain for us individually and as a community?

- Helping others. The top reason to take time out of busy schedules is to do good for others. Maybe it’s small, but any act of helping is philanthropy at it’s core.

- Good karma. Who doesn't believe in concept of karma. Might as well do some things that bring or create good karma for you and/or your family.

- It's meaningful. Whatever the cause, you are making a difference! Unlike work, which most of us do to pay bills and make money, we volunteer and participate in philanthropy to make a difference.

- Meet like-minded people. Do you lack in good friends? What better way to meet good people than getting to know others that are involved in philanthropy.

- Feel great! Getting involved in philanthropy makes you feel better. Knowing that you’re helping others is a great feeling and can be highly rewarding.

Below is a way we can help others here locally on Christmas Day!

Date and Time: Mon, December 25, 2017 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: State Veterans Nursing Home, 700 S. Foothill Drive, SLC, UT 84113

Description: Give from your heart, not your wallet. Share some of your Christmas Day with Utah Veterans who are not able to leave their nursing home. We promise this will be the best part of your holiday season! Bring the whole family, all your neighbors, and especially your friends.

More Information and Registration: Click the below link and include your e-mail address on this registration so they can contact you with specifics and carpool opportunities. Awesome part, is no cost to participate.

Link to More Information on Helping the Veterans on Christmas Day

Article written by Ryan Van Wagenen of Cottonwood Heights. Ryan is a native of this great state that has refocused his life to philanthropy. He is recently retired and has decided to spend as much time as possible helping others. His family is constantly telling him that they like the new and improved man he has become. Although Ryan has been Christian his whole life, he has never been closer to God than he does now with the new devotion to philanthropy and helping other. Ryan hopes a lot of the city will adopt the motto "Let's Make 2018 the Year of Giving."