Winter Assistance Over Holiday Optics: Giving in a Way That Lasts
- ResumeMe Joi
- Oct 24
- 2 min read
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the familiar surge of “giveback” campaigns. You know the type: one-day food drives, toy giveaways, or social media photo ops designed to make everyone feel good. While the intention may be well-meaning, we need to ask ourselves: are these efforts truly helping people, or are they just optics? Too often these efforts are designed for the moment, not the mission.
The reality is, many families struggle to survive through the winter months, not just through a holiday meal or a single gift. Real impact comes from addressing the essentials: warmth, shelter, and safety. Instead of focusing on holiday assistance, we should focus on winter assistance.
Here are some areas where support can make a lasting difference:
Warm clothing and coats: Hats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets . These keep people safe from harsh weather.
Heating support: Assistance with heating bills, propane, or even space heaters.
Home repairs and weatherproofing: Broken windows, faulty insulation, leaky roofs. These are barriers to safety and warmth.
Kitchen and household essentials: Stoves, refrigerators, and cookware ensure that food donations are usable.
Beds and bedding: A safe, warm place to sleep is fundamental.
Transportation support: Car repairs, bus passes, or gas assistance help people get to work or school.
Health and hygiene: Medicine, hygiene products, and first aid kits maintain wellness during harsh months.
Think about it this way: giving someone a turkey without a stove or refrigerator doesn’t feed them, it creates temporary frustration. Giving the stove and the turkey? That’s lasting impact.
This winter, let’s shift our focus. Toys and holiday trinkets aren’t essentials — warmth, stability, and safety are.
Our generosity should meet people where they truly are, providing support that carries through the season and beyond. Winter assistance isn’t glamorous, and it may not make for a perfect social media photo. But it changes lives. That’s the kind of giving that matters.
As we close out the year, I challenge nonprofit leaders, business owners, and community partners to think beyond December donations. Let’s start building what lasts.
Now is the time to Stategically Plan with the help of Grants With Joi:
Build or rebuild your 2026 programs and funding plan
Develop your Q4 donor strategies or giving campaigns
Create your strategic plan for 2026 success
Let’s move from one-time generosity to long-term sustainability — together.
Ready to plan ahead? Let’s build your 2026 strategy, programs, and campaigns now.