Free Ways to Give Back

To our readers,

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate another holiday season together, with our JBC family and beyond. We always look forward to reaching this point in December; it’s like there’s just something in the air that leaves us feeling motivated us to take stock of where we were — and where we’re going.

Where we are is privileged beyond measure. This is true in the most basic of senses, with a roof over our head, healthy, nutritious food on the table and warm, clean clothing on our back — not to mention loving, caring communities all around us. We are privileged to learn from and collaborate with brand partners that lead with integrity to leave their corner of the market — and the world — a little bit better than it was when they found it. And most of all, we are privileged to be able to help amplify and contribute to those communities that are not as privileged as our own, for reasons owing to situational hardships or systemic injustices. Take This Is About Humanity, a community dedicated to raising awareness about separated and reunified families and children at the border and which helps support them with essentials for living, access to legal services, mental-wellness checkups and other shelter projects.

This goes beyond financial support. The concept of donating funds gets thrown around quite heavily this time of year, and for good reason: A small contribution, multiplied by tens, hundreds or thousands of individuals, can go a long way for an organization in need. But there are other significantly impactful ways to give back during the holidays that go beyond a one-and-done donation.

This month, we’re taking a break from sharing our typical PR-centric “Office Hours’“ content and sharing just a few free ways to support groups that deserve it most right now.

As always, we have so much more to learn, so if you have any pieces of feedback that may make our content more serviceable or more inclusive, please feel free to reach out at officehours@jbc-pr.com. Thanks so much for being here.

‘Til 2023!

Jenny & Melissa

Spend time in nursing homes this holiday season.

Many individuals in nursing homes don’t have families visit during throughout the December holidays, which is where you can come in. Find a nursing home in your area, and reach out to learn about their visiting policies (and safety procedures, given the ongoing nature of the pandemic). Many offer activity-based visitation programs that can make someone’s day — and help forge meaningful relationships on both ends.

Donate your flight miles.

Through Make-A-Wish’s charitable work, the organization needs more than 2.8 billion miles — or 50,000 round-trip tickets — every year. You can help by donating your miles via their Wishes in Flight program, where your donated miles won’t expire and are used to help bring all those life-changing wishes to life.

Volunteer to help feed those in need.

Food banks are busier than ever during the holiday season, which creates ample opportunities to help serve communities all over the U.S. Feeding America can help you find and volunteer with a food bank near you, but remember: There’s a need for volunteers all year round, too!

Replace a subscription with a recurring donation.

Most of us incur no shortage of recurring donations for apps and services we don’t use, yet alone need. So why not cancel a subscription you have and replace it with a donation in that exact amount?

Amplify organizations via your social network of choice.

Everyone has a voice. No matter the size of your platforms, you have the potential to affect change in your circle of friends and family. Sometimes, just one share can snowball into the kind of impact that can change an organization’s future — forever.

And finally, write to your elected officials.

Never forget that our legislators work for us , which means it’s their job to learn more about the issues we care about — and the groups working to change them. The ACLU has a fantastic reference guide to increase the effectiveness of your letter. Before all of that, though, make sure you’re registered to vote, and get even more involved in civic engagement, with the help of I am a voter.