Live United by Ann Austin

Giving back is something that seems to come more naturally this time of year. The cold weather and the holidays help us remember what we have, and recognize what others may not have.

We are blessed in so many ways to live in the country we do, in the state of Minnesota and Freeborn County, in particular.

We have a growing community with more people who are invested in making this place even better, great places to work, access to healthy food and clean water, a great education system, fun things to do and a lot of green space to get some fresh air and a new perspective.

A lot has changed over this past year — there is no doubt that some things are getting better and some things are getting worse; but what we don’t always recognize is the part we can play on a daily basis.

What are we doing in small ways to influence the good of the whole?

What can each of us do to help out? More than we may realize.

Each of us is gifted with something — whether we are good at making money or helping others, handicrafts, fixing things or just offering some good advice.

Giving back this holiday season can be easy and here are some ideas to start with:

• Give financially. There are many local organizations,  including our United Way, who have an annual fund drive or provide annual opportunities to give directly, such as The Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign which is going on now until Christmas Eve at area businesses.

• Give of your time. National Mentoring Month is coming up in January. If you enjoy spending time with children, consider becoming a mentor and spending a few hours a week with a local child who could use some extra encouragement. There are several local programs that use mentors — to find the best fit, contact Denise Tipton at the Community Resource Center: 507-473-2718, volunteer@crcalbertlea.com.

• Give something you’ve made. Hats, scarves and mittens are in high demand as the weather gets colder. Several community organizations will accept donations of these items to help local children stay warm in the elements — The Children’s Center, The Rock and The Salvation Army are a few locations where items can be donated. There are also drop boxes at locations around town that will be collecting winter gear for as long as the need exists.

• Give of your talents. Our community has many older residents who are no longer able to maintain some aspects of home care such as snow removal, lawn care, minor household repairs, etc. If you have a few hours a month, your time can be invested wisely through Senior Resources Chore Services program. Contact Amanda Evans at 507-377-7433 to get involved.

• Share your wisdom. Get involved in local committees or boards, or even consider running for office (if you have the stamina!). We are stronger as a community when more voices are involved and when we create safe spaces to discuss issues and explore potential resolution. There are great gathering spaces in town, such as the Interchange, where people may engage in conversation. However, the quality of the conversation is key to the success of any effort. When I think about involvement in such thought exchanges, I think of a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

Let us each do our part to improve our community and elevate the conversation, so 2017 will be the best year yet!

Thank you and live united!

Ann Austin is the executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County.