The Holiday Spirit Matters—But So Does What Comes After

The Holiday Spirit Matters—But So Does What Comes After

The holiday season has a way of softening hearts. Communities fill with food drives, toy collections, volunteer sign-ups, and donation campaigns, all powered by a shared belief that this is the time to give. For a few bright weeks, generosity feels contagious.

But the challenges that generosity responds to don’t disappear when the lights come down.

While seasonal giving plays an important role, the reality is that many families face hardship long after the holidays end. Across nearly every community, people are struggling not only with holiday expenses, but with everyday needs such as food, rent, utilities, and healthcare. Rising costs and economic uncertainty are forcing families to make difficult choices—sometimes draining savings or sacrificing essentials simply to create a sense of normalcy and joy during the season.

This is why giving back matters year-round. Acts of generosity, whether large or small, help stabilize households and strengthen the entire community. Increasingly, many people seeking assistance are those who never imagined they would need help. When neighbors support neighbors—through time, talent, or resources—communities become more resilient and better equipped to weather change.

Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in this effort. Groups like United Way, one of the oldest and most far-reaching community organizations in the country, work quietly but persistently to address local challenges. With a presence in nearly 99 percent of U.S. communities, United Way helps mobilize support for food and housing assistance, youth programs, mental health services, disaster recovery, and more. Their work depends not only on holiday generosity, but on sustained involvement throughout the year.

Giving back doesn’t look the same for everyone. Volunteering time can make a direct difference while also offering personal benefits, including reduced isolation and improved well-being. Donating financial resources—no matter the amount—helps ensure vital services remain available to those who need them most. Sharing professional skills, knowledge, or networks can be just as powerful, strengthening organizations in ways that money alone cannot.

Every community faces its own challenges, and most people feel connected to at least one cause that matters deeply to them. Supporting those efforts helps create a shared sense of responsibility and reminds us that strong communities are built through compassion, connection, and collective action.

This holiday season—and beyond—consider how generosity can become not just a moment, but a habit. Opportunities to support your local community can be found year-round at unitedway.org/local.

Source: United Way