Tis the season to spread joy and happiness!!

By: Cole Buergi, VP of Business Development, Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.

It’s the holiday season and I felt now is a great time to remind everyone that there are a many people in need this holiday season and throughout the year. For those less fortunate, it’s not about getting an expensive gift or some new electronic gadget to make their Christmas better. It’s about having the bare essentials such as food and basic clothing for them and their family.

I chose to write about this because the next time you’re out shopping for gifts for the loved ones, take the time and some money and help make someone else’s Christmas a little brighter this year. This could be as simple as a cash donation or buying food or clothing and donating it to a local charity.

If you have children or grandchildren, this is also a wonderful time of year to get them involved. This could include bell ringing, helping to shop for food or clothes for a local charity or making an entire meal and serving it at an area homeless shelter. I believe these life experiences will help them embody what the holidays should be about and that is sharing love and joy to others.

If you’re unsure of what you would like to support, there are many wonderful organizations in the greater Green Bay community that provide needed services. Just a few among them are:

• The Salvation Army
• The United Way
• Marion House
• American Red Cross
• Paul’s Pantry
• St. John’s Homeless Shelter
•  Toys for Tots
• N.E.W. Community Shelter

These organizations, along with many others in the community, are among the fabric that make this area a wonderful place grow up and live.

If you’re unsure of an organization you would like to support, do a little research and I’m sure you will find something that fits your personal preference. In addition, if your budget is a little tight, you can also consider donating your time by volunteering at an organization. Many of them are short staffed and can use additional support.

I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a very Merry Christmas and encourage you to help make someone else’s holidays a little brighter.