Contributor: Erika Nowlin, Allies Founder and Executive Director
The nonprofit world is a tough one, even for someone like me who is really on the fringes rather than deep in the trenches. I don’t have to look into the eyes of a mom who doesn’t have a crib for her baby, or a custodial grandparent trying to figure out where the holiday gifts are going to come from, or someone who has lost their home and just needs a tent to protect them from the elements and a little food to get through today. But, I do hear about their stories and learn about their needs, and it hits me deeply every single time. And each time, it strikes me again that I am immensely grateful that we have this network of Allies that can, and does, step up to help, no matter the ask.
We have had to make a lot of changes to how our organization operates over the past 8 months. But we were determined to continue to support our nonprofit partners, and those that they serve, however that looked and with whatever needs they had, even if those needs were drastically different than they had been in the past. And, wow, have our Allies volunteers stepped up to the task! No sooner do we post a need than y’all step in to fill it - from small showings of kindness and encouragement in cards or drawings to bigger needs like Halloween costumes, baby cribs and car seats, or gifts to put under the tree.
This Thanksgiving, in the midst of a world that is hard to recognize, I am immensely thankful for all of you. We say it a lot, but THANK YOU for all that you do and all that you give - whether it’s your time, your hard-earned dollars, or items in your home that you know someone else could really use. YOU are the Allies this community needs and I am grateful everyday that you are up for the task.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful, happy and restful Thanksgiving.
Erika