Give close to home

REGION — Between cuts to food benefits, increased requirements kicking in to qualify for those same benefits, the increased cost for some health insurance plans and overall economic anxiety, some of our neighbors are hurting.
That’s not how I originally started this story. The plan was to talk about how the winter holidays can feel overwhelming, what with the planning and shopping and travel and avoiding subjects at family dinners and so on.
For some of us, that still applies, of course. For those who are lucky enough to be OK so far, I want to add one more thing to your plate. Generosity.
Yes, the envelopes from charities far and wide arrive in an endless stream. They might all deserve some of your hard-won cash. (If you aren’t sure about a charity’s legitimacy, look them up on Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org/, and Charity Watch, www.charitywatch.org/.)
Give locally
But please look closer to home, too.
We live in a rural area. In cities, large companies give to charity or loan out employees to charitable causes. Our counties are powered by small businesses (and hospitals and government and schools) that might not have much spare cash to give away.
You can make a difference.
Giving to groups in your community or your county can transform your small part of the world.

Wedontwaste.org elaborates:
Giving locally creates a healthy community. That results in “improved local safety and crime, increased ability to work and be financially healthy, higher life expectancy, increased self-reported happiness, less inequity, and even more civic participation according to the National Center for Health Statistics.”
It boosts the local economy and local nonprofits.
Local giving is efficient, the website notes. Small local nonprofits “have the ability to create advantageous partnerships with other local organizations, recruit help directly from communities where we are active, and, ultimately, focus our efforts on areas needing the most support.”
Giving away
Begin by identifying what you care about.
For many people, this is so easy as to be laughable. They spend all their internet time reading about the subject. They write about it. They talk about it with their friends—or AT their friends.
If you aren’t sure, try looking around you. What issues do you pay attention to? Which TikToks or YouTube Shorts do you click on? (Hunger, people in danger, loneliness, animals—to name just a few causes.)
Of course you can connect with those larger charities. But consider whether that issue is a problem here, too—because the bigger groups can’t focus on your neighbors. Who or what needs help, and which nonprofits provide that help? Do some research. The internet is your friend.
If you still aren’t sure, contact the United Way or your county’s community foundation. The staff can give advice, or you can simply start your giving there.
Make your choices. Check the charities out at the websites above.
No money? You can still give
Of course local charities need money, but groups also need volunteers. Some need used items they can sell. Maybe they need the help your workplace can provide, or your ability to organize an event. Ask.
Being generous, giving what you can, will make a difference in the lives of others. It also reminds us of our shared humanity.