Living to Give
Stories and ideas for women who want to make Howard County stronger through generosity.
Generosity does not require a large bank account or a free calendar. It requires noticing what your community needs and deciding to respond.
Living to Give celebrates the women of Howard County who have made giving part of how they live, and it offers practical ideas for anyone who wants to start. Whether you have an hour, a skill, or a few dollars to share, there is a place where it can make a real difference. Giving also changes the giver. People who volunteer and contribute often describe feeling more connected, more purposeful, and more grateful for what they have.
Three Ways to Give
Time
Volunteer at a food pantry, read with students, deliver meals, or serve on a nonprofit board. Even a few hours a month adds up, and many organizations welcome one-time helpers at events.
Talent
Offer the skills you already have. Accountants can help with bookkeeping, designers with flyers, writers with newsletters, and cooks with community meals. Skilled help saves organizations real money.
Treasure
Financial gifts of any size matter, especially when they are steady. A small monthly donation helps a nonprofit plan ahead, and gift cards, supplies, and donated goods can meet urgent needs.
Stories That Inspire
A hobby with a purpose
A mother and her two daughters in Clarksville loved making pearl earrings. When they decided to sell a few to benefit a local rescue, the idea took off. Pearls for Pups became a nonprofit that has raised more than $60,000 for dogs in need.
Helping mothers live
Nette Stokes founded JustLiving Advocacy to help single mothers find paid work and child care while educating women about heart disease. Her mission grew out of her own mother’s life and death, and it shows how personal stories can become lasting service.
Breaking bread together
At The Longest Table, 250 people, mostly strangers, shared a meal at a 320-foot table and answered questions about their community. The event, hosted by Choose Civility, proved that connection can begin with a simple invitation.
Make a Giving Plan
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Choose a cause
Think about what moves you, whether it is hunger, education, animals, health, or the arts. Giving is easier to sustain when it connects to something you care about.
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Research organizations
Look for local nonprofits with clear missions and transparent finances. Ask how donations and volunteer hours are used, and read recent annual reports.
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Start small
Pick one commitment you can keep, such as two volunteer hours a month or a small recurring gift, and build from there.
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Involve others
Invite friends, family, or coworkers. Giving together multiplies the impact and makes it more fun.
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Reflect and adjust
Every few months, ask what is working. Change your plan as your time, interests, and resources change.
Give Wisely
Good intentions work best when they meet real needs. Before donating goods, ask what the organization actually wants, since unneeded items can become a burden. Be cautious about unsolicited requests, verify that a charity is legitimate, and keep records of your donations for tax time. Above all, listen to the people you hope to serve. The most effective generosity is built on respect, and it treats neighbors as partners rather than recipients.
Giving Throughout the Year
Winter
Collect coats, gloves, and blankets for neighbors facing cold weather. Prepare holiday meals for families who need them, and check in on older neighbors who may be isolated.
Spring
Join a community cleanup, plant a garden at a shared site, or donate gently used items to a spring drive. It is also a good time to review your annual giving plan.
Summer
Fill backpacks with school supplies, support summer meal programs, and volunteer at community events. Many organizations need extra hands while regular volunteers travel.
Fall
Host a food drive, help with harvest events, or mentor students who are returning to class. As the year draws to a close, many nonprofits plan major appeals, so consider a year-end gift.
Teaching Children to Give
Children learn generosity by seeing it. Involve them in choosing a cause, selecting toys or books to donate, and helping with simple volunteer tasks such as packing food boxes or writing cards for seniors. Encourage them to save a small portion of their allowance for giving. Afterward, talk about how it felt and what difference the effort made. Early experiences of kindness build empathy and a lifelong habit of looking for ways to help.
Giving Through Work
Many workplaces support charitable giving through volunteer days, matching gifts, and donation drives. Ask your employer about these programs, or suggest one if none exist. Professional groups, including women’s business networks, often sponsor community projects and welcome members who want to contribute their skills. Giving alongside colleagues builds teamwork, strengthens relationships, and shows that business can be a force for good in the community.
Keep the Spirit Going
Generosity grows when it becomes a habit rather than an occasional gesture. Put your giving on the calendar, whether that means a monthly volunteer shift, a quarterly donation, or a standing weekly check-in with a neighbor. Keep a small notebook of the causes you support and what you have learned from them. Invite friends to join you, and thank the people who inspire you. Over time, small and steady acts of kindness become a legacy that your family and community will carry forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I give if I have very little time or money?
Start with what you do have. A single hour, a skill, a kind word, or a small donation can matter. You can also give through everyday acts, such as sharing a meal, offering a ride, or spreading the word about a cause you support.
How do I know a charity is trustworthy?
Look for a clear mission, public financial information, and responsive leadership. Search for the organization’s annual report, ask how donations are used, and check whether it is registered as a nonprofit. Local organizations are often happy to give you a tour or meet with you.
Can giving really make a difference in my own community?
Yes. Local giving often has a direct, visible effect because needs and results are close to home. Small organizations in particular depend on volunteers and donors, and steady support helps them serve neighbors year after year.