Communicators Outside the Lines Series: 'Tis the Season to Give Back

Communicators Outside the Lines Series: 'Tis the Season to Give Back

Related
• CoSIDA Goodwill & Wellness Committee
• Communicators Outside the Lines Feature Series

This is the next profile in a series entitled Communicators Outside the Lines: Better Yourself, Better Your Community produced by the CoSIDA Goodwill & Wellness Committee. Read past profiles at CoSIDA.com/CommunicatorsOTL.

WE NEED YOUR IDEAS!
If you have any ideas for this series, which will revolve around CoSIDA member volunteerism and health and wellness, please contact Goodwill and Wellness Committee chair Megan Jameson, St. Edward's University Associate AD for Marketing and Communications, at mhardin@stedwards.edu.
   
'Tis the Season to Give Back!

Members of the CoSIDA Goodwill and Wellness Committee shared what they are doing to give back in their local communities this season and why.

Are you volunteering in your community? Submit your community service hours at CoSIDA.com/Volunteer15

“During this holiday season my family participated in the National Wreaths Across America Day on December 18 to remember fallen military members, honor those who served in the military and teach children the value of freedom. My daughter’s Girl Scout troops are participating at one of the 2,500 cemeteries across the country.”
• Sam Atkinson, Associate Athletic Director for Communications, Galludet University
 
“This holiday season I wanted to do a take-off of the 12 Days of Christmas. I am doing 12 Bakes of Christmas! I am making 12 dozen cookies and then will be delivering them to random friends, family, and neighbors. I wanted to spread some cheer and what better way than with some freshly made cookies.” 
• Brian Lovellette, Assistant Commissioner, St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
 
“It feels great when you're able to bring a smile to someone's face. Whether that's donating a toy, gifts, serving at a food bank or simply giving someone else your time during the holiday season, that's what it's all about for me. Not everyone has the same luxury as me to have a great job, house and materialistic things. By giving back, I'm not only getting what I need, but I'm hopefully helping another family get what they need too.”
• Kevin Maloney, Assistant AD for Sports Information, Jones College
 
“This holiday season I chose to give back in my hometown of Granite City, Illinois. Our school district partnered with All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes for its annual event at Famous Footwear where over 100 students received a new pair of shoes and socks. We also delivered gifts with the Granite City and Pontoon Beach Police Departments as part of the Annual “Shop with a Cop” program.”
• Chris Mitchell, Manager of District Communications, Granite City Community Unit School District #9
 
“I am giving back during the holiday season because people may be struggling with their mental health. Any kind gesture can lift that person's spirits up. Being kind to someone can increase that person's confidence and it will make you feel good that you did it. I want to try and make someone's day.”
• A.J. O'Hagan, Sports Information Director, Yeshiva University
 
“Giving back has been important to me from a young age and especially during the holiday season it is important to lend a helping hand. I’m leading a friendly competition at my school with our entire athletic department coming together to donate items to a local food bank. There will be some friendly competition to see who can bring the most, but I’m excited to see us all come together and contribute in a positive way.”
• Jeremy Rosenthal, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, IU Athletics
 
“This holiday season I chose to partake in two activities for the Newark Boys and Girls Club. The first part was buying a gift from the ‘Giving Tree’ and the other was wrapping the gifts. Your teenage years are ones that can be easily influenced at times and if I can do my part to make a kid smile this holiday season I want to do that.”
• Denise Thompson, Associate AD for Communications and Creative Services, University of Delaware

Consider these ways to give back during the holiday season in YOUR community

FOOD DONATIONS
  1. Bake cookies for homeless shelters
  2. Donate food or time to a local food bank
  3. Cook and deliver a meal to local fire or police station
  4. Donate restaurant and grocery store gifts cards to local schools for students who are in need
HELPING CHILDREN
  1. Donate time to high school athletic events
  2. Sponsor a child or family in need of gifts
  3. Provide shoe boxes with school supplies to after school programs
  4. Provide movies, puzzles and games to children’s hospital
HELPING HOMELESS AND WOMEN’S SHELTERS
  1. Donate toiletries to a homeless shelter
  2. Purchase new socks and underwear for a women’s shelter
  3. Pack stockings with toiletries, snacks, gloves and socks to give to homeless people you see on your commute
  4. Volunteer your time to help serve meals or assist with projects around shelter (painting, cleaning, assembling furniture, etc.)
HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY
  1. Send holiday cards to a nursing home or hospital
  2. Volunteer to walk or play with animals at an animal shelter
  3. Volunteer at an after school program
  4. Give blood or volunteer at a blood drive
RESOURCES
 
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Chris Mitchell volunteering with the Granite City and Pontoon Beach Police Departments "Shop With a Cop" program.
 
 
Click here to learn more about CoSIDA's Goodwill and Wellness initiatives and find out how YOU can get involved.