Take time to do good this holiday season

By Lauren Riegelnegg, Development Director, PA Women Work

As we approach the end of the year, many of us are on the fast lane straight to 2022. In our jobs, we are working hard to close out year-end projects before we take much-needed time off for the holidays. And in our personal lives, it’s a race to finish our shopping, wrap our gifts, run our children from one activity to the next, prepare to host family and friends for the holidays, and finish the dozens of other items on our to-do lists.
 
But this holiday season, I invite you to take a pause. Through all the chaos, take a moment to consider those in our community who are less fortunate than us and what their holidays might look like.
 
Thanks to a generous anonymous donation and our community-supported Compassion Fund, Pennsylvania Women Work was able to provide holiday gifts for some of our clients and their children. Volunteers joined us in our office earlier this week to prepare these gifts for delivery, and it was a joy to be able to do something for local women and families who needed a little extra support this time of year.
 
There is still time for you to do good in 2021 and join in the season of giving. I have compiled a list below of some easy ways you can give back this December:

1. Refer a friend to our programs: As we enter the new year and continue to navigate the Covid pandemic, if you know someone who is struggling to find a job or is looking for a better job, invite them to sign up for our free programs. Pointing them in the right direction could be the support they need to change their life.
2. Shop local: If your holiday shopping isn’t quite complete, find a local shop to purchase unique gifts for your loved ones. This is a great way to cross something off your to-do list while also contributing to a vibrant, thriving community. Pittsburgh Magazine provides a list of local shops here.  
3. Clean out your closet: Make room in your closet for your new purchases and gifts and donate your gently used professional attire and coats to Dress for Success. You can find information on how to donate your clothing on their website.
4. Do something kind for a neighbor: Bake cookies for a friend who might not be seeing family this holiday season or shovel your elderly neighbor’s sidewalk the next time it snows. Small acts of kindness can be the lift someone needs to brighten their day.
5. Make a gift to Pennsylvania Women Work. This one might be obvious, but it really is a quick way to make a big difference. We launched a goal on Giving Tuesday to serve 32 more clients in 32 days. Every $250 donated to our organization translates into programs and services for another job-seeking client. When you support someone on their path to finding employment, you truly change their life.

 
I hope over the next couple weeks, you can not only get in the holiday spirit, but give yourself time to get in the spirit of giving, as well. If you have additional suggestions on how to give back this time of year, leave your comments below!

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