Many give back during the holidays by donating money, collecting toys and clothing, and volunteering with various charities. Giving to those less fortunate has become synonymous with the holiday season, but the problems and need don’t go away after we ring in the New Year and pack up the Christmas decorations. Our lives get busy again with work and family commitments, and volunteering often does not make the weekly, or even monthly to-do list.
At D+P we have been reflecting on our successes, and the clients and projects we advised this past year. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work for restaurants, universities, banks, retail, real estate and nonprofit clients, to name a few, but each member of our team also did pro bono, volunteer and behind-the-scenes work. In addition to client work, D+Pers make it a yearly goal to be active and involved in the Philadelphia community.
In 2012 we volunteered our personal time for causes such as Cradles to Crayons, Students Run Philly Style, The Rock School for Dance Education, The Take Flight Foundation, FUEL the CURE, Neumann University and Fairmount Park Conservancy. As a capstone to the individual volunteer work, we also came together as a group last week to volunteer at Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, NJ. We all pitched in and served dinner to more than 300 hungry men, women and children in need of a hot meal. (Right: Photo of D+P at Cathedral Kitchen)
While charities are frequently in need of donations, we often find our communications expertise is even more valuable. Giving of yourself, your time, talents and effort is as valuable as giving money, and has we have learned can be beneficial to both you and the ones you’re serving. Volunteering helps you meet new people, and is motivational and energizing, fun and rewarding.
So, as you plan and budget for 2013, consider making volunteering a year-long priority. Pick a charity and invite a coworker, friend, family member or one of us at D+P to join you. Or, let us know if you’re interested in joining one of the organizations we already support. A year from now, as you reflect back on 2013, we hope you’ll be able to add volunteering to your list of accomplishments. Like us, you’ll learn that you get so much more than you give.
