Page 39 - Giving Guide_FINAL

A TIME FOR THANKS 39

United Way of Treasure Valley

ing element to their video call re- tools is very helpful,” Carpenter take traditions of joy and giving and have listening ears. Kindness
unions; one of Carpenter’s favorite said, especially as learning has that can translate into bigger suc- can happen with a text, a quick
examples is of a family that not been significantly impacted by the cess.” call. That human touch will be
only shared in building hygiene pandemic. She also suggests, for those more important this holiday sea-
kits to donate to United Way but Many local shelters have a seeking ways to help, as the son because of the pandemic, and
they challenged and competed “warming” program and are in weather gets colder and snowier, all of us can do that.”
with other family members across need of warming kits — con- to consider funding bus passes for Some families may be in a situa-
the country in doing the same, taining donations of coffee, hot those in need. tion of need for the very first time,
seeing who could make the most chocolate, gloves and dry socks, “We encourage people to think and United Way is worried about
kits for their local United Way or- which are “a very big deal.” of ways winter changes life,” constant elevated anxiety as a
ganziation. They made thousands. “It’s one of those simple things Carpenter said. “In light of the result of the pandemic.
“Instead of mourning, they de- we overlook but is super impor- pandemic I’d encourage people “This pandemic wearing on in-
cided to take advantage,” Carpen- tant,” Carpenter said. to be thoughtful that needs are creases that,” Carpenter said. “We
ter said. Adding a fundraising or giving different this year and may be less are trying to encourage people
Other building kit activity ideas challenge is another possibility. obvious.” being in tune with each other and
include literacy kits for students “We have so many get together This translates to the work and being more empathetic, a need
and literal building kits, such as traditions. This year is not going to home environments as well. this holiday season now more
blocks. be like that but people can still get “Make sure to connect with than ever.”
“Anything in the education together in a virtual way,” Carpen- friends and co-workers,” Carpenter Photos provided by
space that helps kids have fresh ter said. “There’s lots of ways to said. “We can all be good friends United Way of Treasure Valley