Loving Locally

“Shop Local” has become a mantra in our area and it’s becoming easier to make that happen because of the growth in our downtown. We have more shops, restaurants, street vendors and creativity than I can ever remember and it’s such fun! It’s a great place to look for unique items and things made by local craftsmen and we get the benefit of people following their passion as they open a store or studio to share their talents and knowledge with those of us who are shopping or exploring. I’m totally enjoying “doing local” especially when I know my friends and neighbors are benefitting!

There’s another local aspect I would love to see become more popular and that’s the idea of “Give Local”. Knowing that each area of the country is different and yet the same, I’m sure this opportunity exists everywhere. It’s the joy of being able to help someone by connecting with a group that is focusing on a specialized need right in your own area.

It’s easy to find ways to give to large organizations; we all see the TV commercials, receive the letters or come across advertisements on our social media pages. They are good causes, well run, doing great things and they definitely need our support. But there are many local groups that need our help as well.

In Ross County we have the chance to partner with free medical clinics, teen mentoring programs, homeless shelters, rehab groups, clothing banks, food kitchens and pantries, pregnancy centers, childcare agencies, backpack programs for school, backpacks for weekend food during the school year, necessity closets in local schools, summer lunches for kids, building with Habitat for Humanity, art programs for kids, a children’s museum and the list goes on. Opportunities are boundless.

If you have a social concern that grabs your heart, why not find a local group and give them some support? You may not have money but you have time or maybe you have the money but less time…..they won’t turn down either! It’s extremely rewarding to know that your resources are helping right in your own community. The homeless problem, the drug issue, the educational concerns can all be better in your home town because you found a way to support those who are devoted to a cause. Perhaps a student will graduate because of the encouragement of a dedicated mentor, or a child down the street from you will not be hungry this weekend, or a medical clinic will be able to stop a problem before it becomes an issue because you and your neighbors looked around to see what needs were right in your own backyard.

If you’re not sure where to start, a local church with a community outreach mindset would be a great launching pad; they often have a good pulse on current needs. Our county has a Social Service Council that’s full of resources and information. Maybe you can’t help on a regular basis but you’ll see groups hosting fund raising events during the year; jump in and support that event! Getting a car washed by a youth group, enjoying a spaghetti dinner to support drug rehab, donating to a 5K that benefits a local shelter or attending a holiday event that will make the local park safer are all good investments in the people where you live, work and play. And there’s really no better investment than people! Every group will tell you they only thrive when the community gets involved and your help, no matter how small you may think it is, really does make a difference.

What if there isn’t a group servicing a cause that close to your heart? Guess what that probably means?! You just might be the next person to start on the journey of a lifetime by getting that group started.

Why not challenge yourself to find a way to Give Local within the next 10 days. Then challenge yourself to Give Local at least three times a year. (Caution: it will be addictive!) You’ll be surprised how much more aware of your community you will become and how much more you will enjoy the small, sweet successes it experiences!

Luke 10:30-37