No images? Click here Generosity and Gratitude in ActionThroughout more than four decades of working with generous donors, their families and their advisors, we have had the privilege of learning many strategies for doing good in the world. Our communities are blessed by the time, talent and treasure so many give to create a bright future for all Oregonians. This holiday season, we offer actions to inspire you and your loved ones to explore the spirit of generosity and gratitude. Ask a Question Inspire generosity with a powerful question that stimulates thought and infuses meaning into a family gathering. At a family dinner, ask everyone, "what is the greatest gift you’ve ever been given?" Express Gratitude Thank the people who help your community. Express gratitude verbally, in writing and through actions. Deliver treats and thank you notes to first responders at your local fire or police stations to show appreciation for keeping your family safe. Give With Children Encourage the children in your life to find ways to raise money to donate to a local project or organization. Take kids grocery shopping and let them select food to give to a food bank. Gather your family to go through year-end solicitations and decide which organizations to support. Hit the Streets Go outside the familiar bounds of our day-to-day and build a sense of community by giving care package items to organizations helping residents experiencing hardship. Contact local nonprofits to learn what items you can contribute and volunteer your time to help distribute items to community members. Spread Random Acts of Kindness Small gestures can pack a big punch. Talk with family members about ways they could uplift people around them - like sending an encouraging email or letter, bringing flowers to a teacher, leaving a generous tip or hiding a note to fellow readers inside a library book. Be inspired by the Random Acts of Kindness website, randomactsofkindness.org. |