Pulling Together Through the Holidays

There is no doubt that this year is different from any that most of us have experienced in our lives.

Distanced and smaller family gatherings, curtailed travel to be with loved ones, and shopping via the internet are my top-of-mind adaptations these days. On a larger scale, outside of personal inconveniences and sacrifices, a tremendous sadness weighs for the many families who have lost jobs. Suffering is widespread, not from just COVID itself, but from the devastation to incomes, businesses, relationships, student learning, and our safety and security. Yet our community pulled through in ways, month to month and day to day, to help those in need.

As we enter the holidays, charities throughout our community provide more food, shelter, gifts, and friendship to help everyone feel a bit better.

I am grateful to be a witness to their work. Last Wednesday, the Community Foundation staff prepared a massive batch of nonprofit grants from our generous fundholders.

In addition to the year-end granting, there have been many calls by families who are ramping up their giving and are interested in establishing new charitable funds.

Even though the last two weeks of the year is a busy time at the Community Foundation, we make sure to respond immediately to every request to create a new fund. The memories flood my mind of last-minute arrangements, sometimes complex that we were able to complete in hours, not days. Such gifts are not just exciting and challenging but inspirational.

Should you wish to start a charitable fund before the end of the year but think it’s too late, I assure you it is not.

Please feel free to call or text me any time of day on my mobile phone at 775-762-1932. On behalf of the Community Foundation of Western Nevada Board and Staff members, thank you for your kindness, support, and generosity, in this most unusual, deeply meaningful, and impactful year. I send my best wishes to you and yours for a very happy holiday.

Chris Askin, President/CEO

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