Community and Kindness This Season and Every Season

The Power of Community and Kindness This Season and Every Season 

The holiday season is a time of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness—a season that reminds us of the profound impact we have on the lives of others. Acts of kindness, whether through volunteerism, community service, donations, or advocacy, become powerful tools to uplift those around us. This time of year, is especially critical for organizations like PRISM, which rely on the generosity of their communities and volunteers to provide stability and joy to families in need. 

Why Kindness Matters More Than Ever 

This year, PRISM saw a 35% increase in the number of households accessing the Marketplace Food Shelf, with 60% of those visits coming from first time visitors. Asking for help can feel overwhelming, at PRISM, every visitor is met with dignity and respect. Executive Director Michelle Ness emphasizes, “People trust that they will have a dignified, professional, and meaningful experience when they come through our doors.” 

It is not just food security that is in demand. Across the PRISM agency, there was a 47% increase in total children served within one or more PRISM programs.  These numbers are more than statistics—they are stories of neighbors, families, and individuals relying on PRISM for assistance and hope during challenging times. 

Volunteerism: The Heart of Community Service 

PRISM’s work would not be possible without its dedicated volunteers. Each volunteer hour contributes to making PRISM a safe, welcoming, and effective resource for the community. Whether it’s stocking shelves, assisting participants in the Marketplace Food Shelf, or sorting donations for the Shop for Change thrift store, volunteers are the backbone of PRISM’s mission. 

By joining this effort, you become part of a ripple effect that stretches beyond the holiday season. Consider signing up for regular volunteer shifts or committing to seasonal efforts like organizing drives or group fundraisers. These acts of service help the community and also foster connection and purpose. 

Sustaining Generosity Year-Round 

The goodwill of the holiday season doesn’t need to fade with the New Year. Setting up a recurring donation to PRISM is one of the most effective ways to ensure nonprofits like ours can plan accurately and continue providing essential services year-round. You can consider it a New Year’s Resolution that is easy to keep! Recurring contributions offer financial stability, allowing PRISM to grow and meet the community’s evolving needs. 

In 2024, PRISM made a significant change to better serve families by moving to a monthly shopping model at the Marketplace Food Shelf. This shift allows participants to shop based on their family size, offering them a more nutritious and personalized shopping experience. This thoughtful approach ensures every family receives quality and dignity in their visit to PRISM. 

The ability to provide these kinds of innovative solutions relies on consistent funding and support. Your donation—whether made today or through a recurring gift—ensures that PRISM remains a lifeline for families experiencing hardship. 

Advocacy and Activism: Spreading the Word 

The growth in PRISM’s services reflects the power of activism and community outreach. Each month, 300-400 brand-new families come to PRISM for assistance. By sharing PRISM’s mission with your social circles, you help amplify the message of support and bring critical resources to more families in need. Organizing food or toy drives, sharing posts on social media, or hosting fundraisers are all meaningful ways to extend PRISM’s reach. 

 Shop for Change: A Resource for All 

 Shop for Change thrift store is another vital part of PRISM’s ability to serve the community. Stocked with quality, affordable items, it provides clothing, household goods, and other essentials to those with any size budget. Keeping the store filled with quality donations ensures it remains a reliable resource for all while generating critical funds to support PRISM’s other programs. 

When you donate to the Shop for Change, you’re not just giving items—you’re giving second chances. Your contributions help create a cycle of giving that directly impacts and creates shared responsibility within our community. Together, we are committed to creating sustainable, affordable futures. 

Why the Holiday Season Matters 

The holidays are a season of giving, and for nonprofits like PRISM, it’s also a critical time for receiving. As the year comes to a close, your tax-deductible donation made before December 31st can make a big difference in your upcoming tax season while bringing immense, immediate relief and joy to local families. 

Your generosity helps PRISM continue meeting unprecedented needs, such as the nearly 1.3 million pounds of food distributed this year to families across over 125 different cities. 

A Year in Review: The Impact of Your Kindness 

This year alone, PRISM has adapted and expanded to meet the ever-growing needs of the community: 

• Transitioned to a monthly shopping model, improving the quality and efficiency of food distribution. 

• Witnessed a 47% increase in children served agency-wide, reflecting the critical need for comprehensive family and children support. 

• Provided assistance to hundreds of first-time families every month, empowering them with resources and dignity. 

These services are possible due to the collective kindness and support of this community. But as demand continues to rise, so does the need for sustained involvement. 

Looking Ahead: Carrying Kindness Into the New Year 

The holiday spirit reminds us of the importance of community, but true impact comes from carrying that spirit forward. Here’s how you can make a difference all year long: 

• Commit to regular volunteering – volunteer roles are available in a variety of schedules; there’s something that will work for everyone! 

• Set up a recurring donation to provide consistent support. 

• Organize seasonal efforts like drives, fundraisers, or events to engage your network. 

• Continue spreading the word about PRISM’s mission to inspire others to join in. 

Together, we ensure that PRISM remains a cornerstone of hope and dignity for our neighbors. As we celebrate the season of giving, let’s also lay the groundwork for a brighter, more connected community in the year to come. Let’s finish this year strong and carry the spirit of kindness into the next. Donate, volunteer, or advocate for PRISM today—and make a lasting difference.