The gift of giving
In November and December of this year, my husband Ben and I made a conscious decision to focus less on gifts and more on giving. In this spirit, I chose a few age-appropriate activities to do with our three- and five-year old daughters. We mailed birthday cards we made by hand to elderly people who live alone and we bought toys to give to children living with cancer. Thinking ahead to 2024, one of my goals is to focus on being charitable year-round, rather than just during the holiday season. I want my girls to know the importance of living generously, a life lesson my parents taught me.
Science has shown that the benefits of giving back and doing charity work aren’t simply limited to those on the receiving end. When we help others, our brains secrete serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin (the “feel good” chemicals) to help regulate mood, increase pleasure, and create connection, respectively. Studies also show that generosity can lower blood pressure and that people who volunteer tend to live longer than those who don’t. All of which is pretty compelling stuff — do I have you in the giving mood yet?!
In a world that often feels heavy, and in a season that is difficult for many, I implore you to consider donating something you can spare — whether it’s time, energy, or money — to bring goodness and cheer to others. The NoMad community is filled with many diverse charitable organizations that encourage and appreciate your support. Here, a number of nonprofits for your charitable consideration.
CHASHAMA supports artists and promotes the arts by providing space for exhibitions and performances in vacant properties throughout the city. Become a member to support the future of NYC’s cultural landscape, gain access to artistic opportunities, and become connected to a creative community. chashama.org
CITY HARVEST rescues surplus food and distributes it to those in need, helping to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste throughout New York City. Volunteer opportunities include creative roles such as managing nutrition classes or executing cooking demonstrations, as well as more physically demanding jobs like setting up mobile markets or sorting and bagging food. cityharvest.org
THE CITYKIDS FOUNDATION is for young people to find and strengthen their individual and collective voices, develop the tools to positively impact their lives and become leaders and motivated agents of social change. citykids.com
HEARTS OF GOLD partners with homeless mothers and their children to create positive, sustainable change in their lives through various programming. heartsofgold.org
HEAVENLY HARVST is on a mission is to end world hunger by producing and providing nutritious, shelf-stable meals to programs that relieve hunger. heavenlyharvst.org/donate
HOPE FOR THEM FOUNDATION serves as a reliable and efficient non-governmental participant in contributing to the survival of the poor, the sick, children, adults, those physically challenged, those in need, and anyone affected by a natural disaster. hopeforthemfoundation.org
THE HUNGER PROJECT facilitates individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequity that create hunger and cause it to persist. thp.org
THE MADISON SQUARE PARK CONSERVANCY is responsible for caring for the park and creating a nurturing space through community, art, horticulture, and sustainability. Monetary donations help fund the park’s maintenance and operations, art commissions, horticultural initiatives, and free public programs. Or, consider joining the team of volunteers who work together to improve recycling and composting efforts and educate community members on best practices for reducing waste. madisonsquarepark.org
MAYA’S HOPE works to improve the quality of life of orphaned, impoverished, and children with disabilities on a global scale. mayashope.org
NEW ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN provides the highest standard of care for the most vulnerable children in New York City. Volunteer opportunities are vast and include one-on-one mentorship or joining one of their many events, including Kids Olympics, book fairs, and holiday parties. The hands on work they foster helps kids grow up healthy, safe, secure, and with every opportunity to thrive. nackidscan.org
THE NOMAD ALLIANCE is a not-for-profit organization committed to building an ever better, sustainable community and growing local businesses. With the mission of sustaining and continuing to develop the creative, forward thinking, dynamic character of NoMad, the Alliance is committed to doing everything to sustain the viability of the quintessential “Live, Work, Play” neighborhood. Since its creation, the Alliance has been an advocate for ensuring improved infrastructure, better street conditions, attracting development, and fostering growth to the area. Initiatives like partnership programs, promotional events, and press opportunities bring brand awareness and visibility to potential customers and property owners. thenomadalliance.com
PENCILS OF PROMISE creates schools, programs, and global communities around the common goal of education for all. One hundred percent of online donations go to PoP programs. pencilsofpromise. org
START SMALL THINK BIG is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in entrepreneurship by connecting small businesses with the resources and community they need to thrive. startsmallthinkbig.org
TRICKLE UP partners with women to forge resilient pathways out of poverty. Trickleup.org World Central Kitchen provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. wck.org
When researching for this article I realized that the happiest people are not those getting more but in fact it’s those giving more. It’s proof of the gift of giving. I recently came across a quote by Pablo Picasso that sums it up perfectly: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
Wishing our NOMAD Magazine readers a holiday season filled with happiness, health, joy and giving!