It’s funny to me, during the holiday season as we count our blessings and feel so grateful, that we want to share those blessings with others. Sharing might range from giving gifts to those who might otherwise not have Christmas, to donating food for holiday meals, and even donating our time or money during this holiday season. Did you know that almost 10 percent of all charitable donations occur during the last three days of the year? What makes it funny to me is that this happens because we put such an emphasis on this during the holidays.

I make these comments merely as an observation. There is no sarcasm, judgment, or criticism involved. Honestly, I am on this path because my family members had purchased some gifts for children who never arrived at a holiday celebration years ago, and these toys sat new in boxes and it was time for them to go to someone who would enjoy and appreciate them. In that hunt to become “Santa” we heard stories of families in need, each with a set of unique circumstances that would touch your heart and remind you how strong and resilient these families were, even if they may have felt that way.

Some families have channels for help and assistance, others do not. Oftentimes it is hard to ask for help, and sometimes, based on their circumstances, help is not easily obtainable. That also translates the other way for folks that want to help. Oftentimes they do not know where to turn to volunteer or to give. Some people are connected with church families or organizations such as Rotary or Kiwanis that give back to the community in an organized effort. Some worry about where to give because they have heard stories of graft or they want their funds to be used here at home and not in a corporate structure where only part of their gift goes to help people.

As I thought about this, I wanted to offer a solution if you want to give. Robeson County has so many nonprofit organizations that help people – from feeding and clothing them, to offering emergency assistance, education, and health needs – it can be daunting. One agency that can help, is Lumber River United Way. They fund 18 partnering agencies in four counties that make a difference. You can donate to a specific agency or a specific county. To be completely transparent, Robeson County 4-H is one of the agencies funded by Lumber River United Way. So are the 4-H programs in Hoke and Bladen Counties. The funds they provide do not go to salaries for our 4-H programs, but directly to programming so we can make our activities as affordable and impactful as possible. Lumber River United Way vets the agencies they support and require reporting to ensure the funds you are donating are being spent in the manner intended.

If volunteering your time is really what you want to do, Lumber River United Way can help with that also. They can refer you to an agency in need of volunteers or you can volunteer with them. There is always something that needs to be done, and they can always use a hand.

So, as you are thinking about giving back this holiday season please don’t overlook Lumber River United Way as an option, because the impact you can make in the community through this organization will be positive and lasting.

For more information, please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Youth Development Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at 910-671-3276, by E-mail at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at https://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/. Shea Ann is also licensed by the Emily Post Institute as a child etiquette teacher.