The holiday season brings a welcome opportunity to reflect on what matters most in our lives. The lights, music, and familiar traditions create an atmosphere that remind us that generosity and connection sit at the center of this time of year. The season invites us to extend kindness, compassion, and support to the people around us.
The act of giving back becomes one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate.
Communities thrive when neighbors recognize the needs around them. Volunteers fuel that strength, and their willingness to show up creates moments of hope for individuals who may be struggling. The smallest gestures can transform a day. A warm smile, sharing a moment of encouragement, or a few hours of one’s time can ripple outward in ways that far exceed the effort. The holiday season amplifies the power of these simple acts.
My service on several local boards continually reminds me of the depth of need across our area. Wheeling Health Right has shown me how important access to care can be. Volunteers can help connect individuals with essential services that keep families stable and supported. Health concerns can overwhelm people who lack resources, and compassionate assistance from volunteers can lighten that burden in meaningful ways.
The past couple of years, I have really enjoyed being involved with the Ohio Valley Wellness Coalition. I really enjoy assembling stockings that offer care and comfort to individuals who may or may not know they are getting that small surprise. For some, it may be the only gift they get. The process creates a sense of shared purpose among the board. The finished stockings symbolize generosity, creativity, and hope.
One of my cherished holiday traditions involves the Salvation Army. Volunteers sign up to ring bells and bell ringing shifts remain a highlight of the season. For an extrovert like me, the simple act of greeting people as they pass by offers countless reminders of the good that lives within our community. People contribute what they can and often share kind words. It’s a great chance to catch up and see many people whose paths might not cross. This simple act inspires me every year. If you would like to ring bells, you can sign up at https://www.registertoring.com/zip.aspx
I also greatly enjoy the Angel Tree distribution day. It has become a tradition to work alongside our board chair, Mallory Clegg taking the bags of gifts, carefully selected for their children out to our neighbors’ vehicles. We bring the festive and the fun to an event which truly warms my heart. Families arrive with quiet determination to make the holidays special for their children. Their relief and joy become moments I never forget. The experience reminds me that generosity can ease burdens and restore hope. Parents leave with gifts, but they also leave with a renewed sense of possibility.
The impact of volunteer service does not depend on wealth or free time. Volunteers simply commit to helping in whatever way they can. Communities grow stronger when people decide to put compassion into action. Every person has the ability to offer something valuable. The holiday season gives us an opportunity to recognize that ability and to use it well.
The needs within our community continue long after the holiday lights disappear. Organizations that support families rely on volunteers throughout every month of the year. Food insecurity persists in every season. Uncertainty and fear do not follow a calendar. The compassion that fills the holidays can carry forward into the rest of the year. The decision to keep giving creates lasting change. We are fortunate to live in a wonderfully, giving community with several opportunities to give back.
The spirit of the season invites us to look for ways to help. The opportunity to volunteer exists around every corner. A meal served with kindness, a stocking filled with care, a bell rung outside a storefront, or a toy delivered through a community program all create meaningful change for someone. The holiday season offers a chance to build connections that strengthen our community and enrich our own lives.
The greatest gifts are often unwrapped. They appear in the form of time, compassion, and sincere concern for others. The holiday season becomes more meaningful when we choose to give those gifts freely. The choice to serve connects us with the true purpose of the season and reminds us that joy expands when shared.
The invitation to give back remains open. The question becomes whether we will answer it. I believe our community will continue to respond with generosity, kindness, and the spirit of service that defines who we are.
