To whom much is given, much is expected. We are so blessed to have all that we do and it’s only right to give back to the community. I’m a firm believer in karma. I believe that what we put into the universe, we will get back twofold, so I try to radiate positivity. Last summer, my husband and I launched our foundation, the JetJones Foundation, in order to provide youth with the resources that they need to succeed. Given that we come from extremely different backgrounds, this means different things to each of us. For my husband, this means providing kids with necessities such as school supplies and clean learning environments. For me, it means allowing children to experience things that they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to in order to broaden their horizons and open their eyes to the endless possibilities. All in all, our goal is to help kids take flight towards a brighter future.
The JetJones Foundation is still in its beginning phases and our main goal right now is just to light a fire in our peers to get involved in some way, shape, or form. There are so many ways to give back to the community. With a number of viable causes, it’s possible to give back in ways that align to each person’s particular passions. A lot of people feel like they don’t have the time, money, or resources to give back, but there are multiple ways to be philanthropic and it’s actually easier than most of us think!
Easy Ways to Give Back to the Community
Donate goods or funds
Making financial and/or in-kind donation is a great way to give back to the community if you’re short on time. Setting up an automatic contribution of $10-15 to your favorite cause each month may not seem like much, but every little bit helps. The great thing is that a lot of organizations allow you to set up an auto-draft from your bank account and leave it so that you don’t even have to think about it every month. Giving goods is also another good way to get involved. Whether it’s school supplies, sanitary items, or clothes, there are people who need and will appreciate the assistance. Every time I clean out my closet, I give a ton of clothes to a local homeless shelter and I love the thought that my trash may be another man’s treasure. The JetJones Foundation is having a school supply drive next month and, if you’re able, stop by to our local Zaxby’s to donate so that kids in need have necessary supplies when the school year begins. Check out the flyer below for more information.
Give your time
If you’re short on funds and are unable to donate goods, you can always give your time. When it comes to volunteering, there are a variety of places that need assistance. Whether it be mentoring teenage girls, spending time with animals in a shelter, or helping out at a food bank one Saturday afternoon, there are plenty of options. The good thing about donating your time is that a little goes a long way and you can make a huge impact in just a few hours. We’ll be having a community clean-up this upcoming Saturday morning from 9-11am in Stone Mountain’s Medlock Park. For two hours, we’ll get down and dirty and clean up the local park to prepare it for the start of the new school year. Interested volunteers can register here.
Do things you already do – but for a cause
There are a ton of things that we already do but can do for a cause. There’s no excuse not to give back when you’re doing something that you would be doing anyway. I love the idea of shopping brands that give a portion of their proceeds to a cause. Everyone knows of popular brands, like Toms, but there are also other brands, like Warby Parker, who gives a pair of glasses to a child in need for every pair of glasses sold. Another great way to give back while doing things you already do is to workout for a cause. Whenever I run, I use Charity Miles, which lets you choose from over 30 charities and gives money for every mile you move. The JetJones Foundation is also hosting an event that I’m extremely excited about where participant can workout for a cause. Hoopers Cycle Too will be a energetic 50-minute spin class at CycleBar and all proceeds will benefit our organization to help youth to reach their full potential.
How do you give back to the community?
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