Getting most from holidays by giving

For more than 120 years, Crossroads Rhode Island has served the state by providing for those who find themselves in need. When we were founded in 1894, our fundamental goal was to assist people who came to Providence looking for work. Since then, we have evolved to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people in our state.

We, and many other organizations like ours, work to provide services to Rhode Islanders around the clock, from January to December, helping clear avenues to sustainable housing, education and employment for our friends, neighbors or co-workers who have fallen upon hard times. It’s a service that requires constant dedication and attention, but there are certain times of the year when the need for these offerings really hits home.

Charity, generosity and goodwill used to be closely associated with the holiday season. But more and more, our focus during the holidays has shifted to a fixation on receiving, rather than the idea of giving.

For many of those less fortunate, the holiday season isn’t about gifts in the typical sense. It’s about having a roof over their heads. It’s about a hot meal or a warm shower. It’s about not needing to worry about where they or their family will sleep the next night.

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The resources provided through charitable donations, volunteer programs and gift drives allow us to provide comfort, support and a helping hand to countless individuals and families who turn to us during the holiday season. In our case, these proceeds go to helping Rhode Island residents and families in need enjoy their holidays just like the rest of us: happy, well-fed, warm – and with a place to call home.

Please consider donating something this holiday season. It’s through your kindness and your help that the homeless and in-need can have a holiday as joyful as I hope yours will be. •

Karen A. Santilli is president and CEO of Crossroads Rhode Island, which will be running its new #GivingTuesday campaign throughout the holiday season.

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