The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be nothing short of hectic; however, it’s not uncommon for many to take time during the season to think about those among us who have less – it’s a call to the better angels in us all. Helping someone in need is the gift that keeps on giving, and getting involved in your local community and helping others can mean much more and make a bigger difference than you may initially think.
Michigan State University Federal Credit (MSUFCU) has a storied history of giving back to the community through corporate philanthropy, financial education or employee volunteerism. In the past year, the more than 800 MSUFCU employees donated over 1,200 hours of volunteer time and over $185,000 to support community charitable organizations. MSUFCU Chief Marketing Officer Deidre Davis recently explained why MSUFCU is so dedicated to giving back.
Q: Why should I give back to my community?
Davis: “The benefits of giving back to your community and local organizations through gifts and service are limitless. Some of the biggest benefits are social benefits, where you’re forming personal and professional connections, and emotional benefits, where you enjoy a feel-good sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing you’ve helped someone.”
Q: How can I give back?
Davis: “There are a number of ways you can give back to your community, but it’s up to you to seek out these opportunities. You can give back through donations, which are the engines that run many nonprofits and charities. Whether it’s a financial contribution or clothes and furniture, every contribution makes a difference. Some people save up their pocket change throughout the year to donate to a cause they’re passionate about. Many donations, monetary or items, can be tax-deductible, so keep track of your charitable contributions throughout the year to potentially save money on taxes. Volunteering is another way to give back. It’s a donation of your time. If you have a passion project or cause, reach out to those organizations to see if they have volunteer programs, whether it’s a community project, animal shelter or a food bank.”