It’s often said that it’s better to give than to receive. There’s no better time to put a spotlight on this notion than the holiday season. This is why the value for this month is charity. There are many ways to embrace this value.
For business owners, this can include group efforts to raise funds for a certain cause or a general emphasis on community involvement. On a personal level, charity can be easily expressed by something as simple as a random act of kindness or a smile and a heartfelt “thank you” for good service.
Regardless of the size of your business, there are plenty of ways you can make charity one of your values. The corporate social responsibility movement is a perfect example of how more companies are making charity part of their corporate fabric with an awareness of how their actions impact society.
Google gets involved on a larger scale by supporting sources of renewable energy. Xerox encourages its employees to participate in community-based causes.
But the corporate responsibility concept doesn’t have to involve grand-scale efforts or massive donations. It’s something businesses of all sizes within all industries can embrace by taking steps that may include:
Charity is a value that everyone can embrace themselves. Many people equate the word “charity” with giving money to help others. While this is part of what charity is, it’s not all it is. Charity also includes doing kind things for other people. Everyone has the power to be more charitable with efforts that can include:
Charity is a value anyone can take to heart. Not surprisingly, there are many examples of how the charity is a vital part of the trucking industry. Some charities, like the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and Meals for 18 Wheels, are established by truckers for truckers. There’s even a trucker-run organization that helps people find lost pets by searching shelter lists in other states. Many of these groups help accomplish goals that include:
No matter how you choose to lend a helping hand this holiday season—on a personal or corporate level, know that your efforts will be appreciated. In fact, the most compelling reason to make charity a value you embrace all year is the feeling it gives both you and the receiver. Research has shown that even just thinking about being generous can make you feel happier. Being generous can also make you healthier. You may be surprised at how far a seemingly small kind act or word can go when it comes to lifting people’s spirits.
