Giving Goes Beyond Charity or Philanthropy for 2024 GLAH   Covington, VA (May 9, 2024) - With twelve days until the Give Local Alleghany Highlands (GLAH) 24-hour online giving day, you may be saying to yourself, “It is an excellent opportunity to support the local nonprofits, but my budget is stretched. I want to give back, but how? “ In a world often consumed by the pursuit of personal gain and success, the essence of giving can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. However, giving goes far beyond charity or philanthropy; it fundamentally expresses our humanity and interconnectedness. Each of us can give in various forms—whether it be time, treasure, talent, ties, or testimony—and in doing so, we not only enrich the lives of others but also cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose within ourselves. Time is one of the most precious gifts we can offer. Our fast-paced society makes it easy to become overwhelmed by our schedules and responsibilities. Time spent serving others fosters connections, builds communities, and spreads kindness in ways that ripple far beyond the moment. Treasure: While financial contributions are valuable, treasure encompasses more than just monetary donations. It includes sharing resources, donating goods to those in need, supporting causes we believe in, or investing in positive change initiatives. Talent: Each of us possesses unique skills, abilities, and expertise that we use for the greater good. When we generously share our talents with others, we enrich their lives and fulfill our sense of purpose and accomplishment. Ties: Human connection lies at the heart of giving, and fostering meaningful relationships is a gift in itself. Building strong ties within our communities—through acts of kindness, support networks, or simply being a good friend—creates a sense of belonging and solidarity. Testimony: Our stories and experiences hold immense power to inspire, educate, and motivate others. Sharing our journeys, triumphs, and challenges can offer hope, guidance, and reassurance to those facing similar struggles. Whether speaking out on behalf of a cause, advocating for change, or offering words of encouragement to someone in need, the gift of testimony is a profound expression of empathy and solidarity. Thirty-nine non-profit organizations are participating in the 2024 GLAH. Find an organization that fits one of your five T's—time, treasure, talent, ties, and testimony. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger gestures of generosity, embrace the spirit of giving wholeheartedly, knowing that in doing so, we uplift others and nurture the very essence of our humanity. You can use the email and social media templates in the GLAH Toolkit to spread the word and encourage everyone to Give Local! Give Local Alleghany Highlands, hosted by The Alleghany Foundation with support from the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, occurs May 21, 2024. For more information, please visit www.GiveLocalAH.org; contact Madge Vosteen at contact@GiveLocalAH.org; her cell, 757-603-0996; or The Alleghany Foundation office at (540) 962-0970. About The Alleghany Foundation: Founded in 1995 following the sale of the Alleghany Regional Hospital, The Alleghany Foundation seeks to be a catalyst for positive change in the Alleghany Highlands. The Foundation aims to focus its capital in a way that leads to a more civically engaged and prosperous community that builds upon its assets to produce opportunities for all residents.

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