Did you have an opportunity to give back this holiday season? Maybe you made a donation to a local nonprofit, sponsored a family for Christmas, or served dinner at a local soup kitchen. If so, you probably experienced the joy that comes when you give from the heart, without promise of payback or reward.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” —Winston Churchill
But while most people tend to think more about giving back during the holidays, the nonprofits in our community work hard all year — and therefore need support year round. As 2019 comes to a close, we at SMHeuristics are taking a little time to reflect on a few of the organizations that are making a positive impact in our community 365 days a year, and whom we are honored to continue supporting in 2020.
United Way of Treasure Valley
In August, we discussed our give-back initiatives on the SMH blog, and shared photos of a few members of our team attending the 12th Annual United Way of Treasure Valley Flapjack Feed. The event consistently raises funds for local families in need, and we joined several hundred volunteers in assembling necessity kits for school kids lacking personal care products like deodorant, toothbrushes, shampoo, and other items.
But the Flapjack Feed is just one example of many events and programs the United Way of Treasure Valley supports. They also fund dozens of other agencies and programs within our community, such as the Idaho Foodbank’s School Pantry and the Women’s and Children’s Alliance’s Safe and Secure Shelter, among others.
Get involved: The United Way of Treasure Valley welcomes volunteers, donations, and support with their advocacy efforts. Corporate groups also do much to further the reach of this nationwide nonprofit. Contact United Way TV If your company would like to support their work.
Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance
Our reasons for supporting the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance run deep. SMHeuristics co-founder and CEO Derik Ellis served in the US Air Force for a number of years — and knows firsthand the challenges veterans face when reentering the workforce or starting their own businesses.
The Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance provides much-needed resources and support for those seeking to integrate themselves into the business community — through skill training, professional development, and access to year-round activities and opportunities.
Get Involved: The Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance is always looking to expand their membership, so if you or someone you know is a vet who would benefit from their services, you can join here. Like many nonprofits, the VEA also relies heavily on the generosity of its donors. You can set up a recurring or one-time donation here.
Treasure Valley YMCA
Through its many adult and youth programs, the Treasure Valley YMCA focuses on “strengthening the foundations of community by developing successful youth, engaging people in healthy living, and instilling a commitment to social responsibility.”
The Y’s community collaborations, which include Make a Splash and Safe Routes to School, are far-reaching and impactful for children both across the country and in the Treasure Valley.
Get Involved: The Treasure Valley YMCA offers several opportunities for community members who want to offer their support. For starters, you can donate, volunteer, sponsor a program, attend an event, and/or be an advocate.
As we head into 2020, SMHeuristics is looking forward to the new opportunities headed our way, both professionally and in terms of how we give back to our community. We hope you’ll join us in supporting one of the above organizations or any of the other 6,000+ nonprofits that call Idaho home.
Cheers to a successful and generous new year!