Growing up, many of my favorite holiday memories were centered around Holiday on 44th, from gingerbread house decorating to singing carols at the top of my lungs with my friends. I looked forward to this event every year, I was so disappointed when it stopped running. When I found out it was due in part to fewer active volunteers, I realized how important volunteering is in extending past holiday events.
It’s crucial to so many communities including my own, without it, there would be a lot fewer resources. From food drives helping keep families fed in tough times or school events giving out supplies to kids who otherwise may not have access. Whatever the issue volunteers have stepped up and caused real change in communities.
According to Allison Liuzzi from Minnesota Compass, Minnesota is ranked number 5 for volunteerism in the nation, with 2 out of every 5 adults participating. Which is incredible, and makes it easy to get involved with many different programs. If you can, you should get involved, with many different causes, there is an opportunity to find ones that specifically fit your interests. However, if you don’t have the time, donating to a nonprofit is a great alternative.
Volunteering has been the root of so many opportunities and memories for me, I was so excited when I heard Holiday on 44th would be back this year. Overall Minnesota does an amazing job with it, we need to keep that up, so we can continue building our community.
Gwendolyn Gómez,
North Minneapolis