The Season of Giving: How to Make a Difference This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection. It’s also a season that reminds us of the power of giving—to share our blessings and help make the world a better place. Whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or financial contributions, the holidays provide a unique opportunity to spread goodwill and support those in need – it’s the Season of Giving!
As you make your holiday plans this year, consider how you can give back to your community. Supporting local organizations like Black Wall Street AVL (BWS) is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. Here’s your ultimate guide to holiday giving and how you can join the movement to empower change in Asheville and beyond.
Why Holiday Giving Matters
The holidays bring warmth and togetherness for many of us, but it’s also a time when the challenges faced by underprivileged communities become more apparent. Economic hardship, housing insecurity, food scarcity, and limited access to education and healthcare can be especially difficult during the festive season.
Giving during the holidays, you help ensure that more families experience hope and joy. Your contributions can provide essential resources, inspire positive change, and create lasting impacts on individuals and communities alike.
Ways to Give This Holiday Season
If you’re looking for meaningful ways to give back, here are some ideas to inspire your holiday giving spirit:
1. Make a Donation to Black Wall Street AVL
BWS is dedicated to revitalizing Asheville’s historic Black business district and empowering Black entrepreneurs to thrive. By donating to BWS, you’re directly supporting initiatives that:
- Provide training and mentorship for aspiring business owners.
- Offer grants and financial resources to local businesses.
- Organize community events and educational programs.
- Create jobs and build economic opportunities for people of color.
Your donation can make a significant difference in sustaining and expanding these programs. Visit BWS AVL’s donation page to contribute.
2. Sponsor a Family in Need
Many organizations offer programs that connect donors with families who could use extra support during the holidays. Sponsoring a family may involve providing gifts, meals, or financial assistance to help them celebrate the season. It’s a heartfelt way to bring joy and relief to those facing hardship.
3. Support Small Businesses
Shopping locally is a powerful way to give back. Support Black-owned businesses and local entrepreneurs by purchasing your holiday gifts from them. Not only will you find unique, meaningful presents, but you’ll also contribute to the success of small businesses in your community.
4. Volunteer Your Time
The holidays are a busy time for nonprofits, and many rely on volunteers to support their operations. Consider volunteering with BWS AVL or another local organization to:
- Assist with events or workshops.
- Pack and distribute holiday food baskets.
- Mentor young entrepreneurs.
- Help with administrative tasks or fundraising campaigns.
5. Organize a Giving Drive
Bring your community together by organizing a donation drive. Collect items like winter clothing, non-perishable food, toys, or school supplies and donate them to local shelters, schools, or community organizations.
6. Raise Awareness on Social Media
Use your platform to amplify the impact of giving. Share stories, campaigns, and initiatives by BWS AVL and other organizations. Encourage your friends and followers to get involved by donating, volunteering, or supporting small businesses.
A Holiday Message from BWS AVL
As we reflect on the spirit of the holidays, we at Black Wall Street AVL are deeply grateful for the support of our community. Your generosity has enabled us to:
- Serve over 135 businesses through our programs.
- Created over 20 new jobs in the past year.
- Empower countless entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.
This season, we invite you to join us in continuing this important work. Together, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Giving isn’t just about providing material resources; it’s about empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential. Here are a few ways your holiday giving to BWS AVL can create lasting change:
- Education and Training: Your support helps fund workshops, masterclasses, and boot camps that equip entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed.
- Economic Growth: Donations enable BWS to offer grants and funding opportunities that drive local economic development.
- Community Building: Events like Grind Fest and networking programs foster connections and collaboration among local businesses and residents.
- Youth Empowerment: Initiatives like BWS Junior provide young people with the tools and mentorship to build bright futures.
Every dollar you give contributes to a ripple effect of positive change, helping to build a thriving, equitable community.
The holidays are a reminder of the incredible impact we can have when we come together to support one another. By giving your time, resources, or donations, you become part of a movement to create positive change and uplift your community.
This year, let’s make the season of giving truly meaningful. Whether you choose to donate to Black Wall Street AVL, sponsor a family, or volunteer your time, your generosity will bring light and hope to those who need it most. Together, we can make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone.