The holiday season is a time of warmth, celebration, and reflection. As Thanksgiving approaches, we gather with loved ones to express gratitude for the abundance in our lives, sharing delicious meals, and cherished moments.
It’s also a time when we are easily consumed with the bustle of preparations and the excitement of gift-giving, but this time of year calls for a more profound sense of giving. It encourages us to pause and consider those who may not have the same privileges, those facing hardships, and those who struggle to meet even their basic needs.
When you begin to ponder ways you might support your local community, consider River Market as a way for you to easily and conveniently inspire your giving spirit. Here are some ways River Market is supporting our local community through the generosity of you, its owners and shoppers.
- Round Up Program – Each month River Market contributes your ‘round up’ cents to a local non-profit that is neither political or religious and is doing work in our direct community. All owners have the opportunity annually to vote on which 12 organizations will receive these ‘round up’ funds each month. Examples of last year’s recipients include Stillwater Public Library Foundation, Belwin Conservancy, Family Means, and Gateway Brown’s Creek Trail.
- Valley Outreach Donations – Customers have the opportunity to donate food and leave it on a shelf at the front of the store which is collected on (most) Fridays by a volunteer from Valley Outreach. River Market also includes donations from the store for overstock items or products that were incorrectly distributed or ordered.
- Fresh Green Bucks – Customers can purchase Green Bucks which are translated to Valley Outreach as gift cards that can be used to purchase produce at cost from one of River Market’s distributors.
As we approach this holiday season, let’s remember that the simple act of giving can bring profound joy. By contributing to our community in even the smallest of ways, we experience a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond material wealth. The happiness derived from helping others is a profound and enduring one that can leave us with a deep and lasting sense of contentment.
Embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season, and the next time you visit River Market, know that a small act of charity can make your community a better place for all.