We live in a community defined by its participation, its service, and an extraordinary generosity. There is no shortage of stories of folks sharing their car or giving shelter to someone in need. Between the weather, the geographic reality, and the relative isolation, it’s no wonder that Alaskans have developed such a culture of giving.
Just the other day, while attending a community event in town, the discussion of wait times for firewood delivery was brought up and there was little hesitation from those present to help find a solution. A few days later, a neighbor stopped by to share some of the dried firewood they had stacked over the years.
This community and its values are something that I have dreamed of living in for a long time, and I am proud to work for an organization that mirrors those values. The South Peninsula Hospital Foundation is dedicated to supporting the programs, the community initiatives, and the people who are strengthening our lives every day. The Foundation’s success is built on the participation of the people in the Southern Kenai Peninsula.
We also understand that this culture of giving does not come without maintenance. With our limited time and energy, we all have to make decisions about how to be involved and where we place our focus. It takes a lot of work to keep up the relationships in our lives, to find the capacity to keep participating, and to build a vision for a better tomorrow.
It’s so important that we be intentional about reaching out to our neighbors and ask how they are doing, and to touch base with an organization we admire and ask what they need. Find someone in town who has no plans for the holidays and invite them over for dinner. We can all reach out to someone you would like to learn more about and ask them to tell their story. Being a strong community means embodying the expression “it’s not about me.”
It’s also OK to not have the capacity for these things. As we think about what we can do for our community, remember that it’s not what you feel you ought to do, but what’s in you to do that matters.
In recognizing Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29 this year, we ask for that same consideration. What’s in you to do? If you find yourself overwhelmed with everything going on, please remember to give generously from your hard-earned dollars to help support the organizations that are working every day to bring people together and improve our quality of life. The list is broad and is not limited to the Foundation, so it’s worth supporting many if you can.
With every dollar donated to the South Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 100% of it goes to the community programs, healthcare scholarships, and hospital improvements that enhance our healthcare experience. Please visit foundation.sphosp.org for more information.
Likewise, we are asking for your passion. If you are interested in developing solutions for our area around childcare, after school programs, or housing, we need your voice! I would be delighted to meet with you and discuss how we can work together.
You are not alone, and only by reinforcing our community connections can we maintain this legacy of giving and compassion. Come join us, please remember to continue to give generously, and find someone new to connect with over the holidays.
Jeffrey Eide is the Executive Director of the South Peninsula Hospital Foundation.
