UNSUNG HEROES

 

I looked out the window of my warm home last week to see my mail carrier dressed in a full snowsuit, heavy gloves and a hat with furry ear flaps struggling to climb over a pile of drifted snow to deliver a package. It was after 7 pm and certainly not the first time he had delivered the mail that late this week. In addition, my city’s trash and recycling crews have worked quite a few extra-long days this winter to make up for times when snow removal took precedence over refuse collection. And the steady stream of plumbers, garage door repairmen and HVAC experts coming in and out of my small neighborhood over the past seven weeks has been remarkable.

As a result of watching all this activity, I have become increasingly aware of how many unsung heroes keep us all living comfortably day in and day out regardless of the weather or their work conditions. This is true for the comfort and safety we feel at home as well as for the smooth operation of our nonprofit organizations.

So I propose that this year, nonprofit leaders take time to not only lavish their donors and volunteers with love and appreciation, but to also make an extra effort to thank the unsung heroes that help make it possible for them to serve their clients, members and students. Such as:

  • Mail carriers, FedEx and UPS delivery workers
  • Transportation providers
  • Firefighters and EMTs
  • Security guards and police
  • Facility and maintenance workers
  • Food deliverers and preparers
  • Snow and ice removal crews

And while you are thanking those valuable service providers, take the opportunity to educate them a little about what your organization does to make the community a better place to live. Let them know that their efforts make it possible for older adults to access your services, kids to have a safe place to go after school, families to have a warm and friendly place to come together,

the homeless to find shelter, etc.

In actuality, you wouldn’t be able to serve others without their help.

What a great way to let the unsung heroes know how much they matter to the rest of us, as well as to gain some new advocates for what you do in your community!

Posted by Michele Goodrich
Michele Goodrich

Written by Michele Goodrich

Since joining the DBD team in 2010, Michele Goodrich has provided resource development counsel to youth-focused, arts and cultural, health-related and educational nonprofit organizations throughout the country. Her extensive and diverse experience in nonprofit leadership positions makes it possible for her to tailor her approach to each nonprofit client’s set of circumstances as well as its unique culture and distinct strengths.

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