The Gift of Love
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Last night, Stephanie (on my team) and I had the honor of sitting with our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) as they shared their holiday dreams, and the barriers often encountered during this season of rush and expectation. One thing I noticed was the vast distance between dreams and the base level of realism. In the middle of an incredibly challenging year, I wanted them to hold space for good.
We began dreaming together, but as the evening progressed, real challenges surfaced. I am not going to lie; it breaks my heart. As UWCC prepares for Giving Tuesday and year-end giving, we landed on the theme One Simple Thing. Just saying those words yesterday out loud made me breathe easier, soaking in the possibilities of this season.
We asked the moms for their One Simple Thing and the words they shared included –- patience, time, being present, acceptance and kindness, empathy and peace. They may seem like simple words, but to them, they were spoken with tears held back. For a single mom working multiple jobs, “time” is a fleeting moment with her children. Exhaustion can make it hard to see the miracle and gift in front of her. Their dreams, like ours, are valid. These moms were encouraged to see and listen; to set firm the traditions that at the end of the day are what we as grown-ups remember.
You might be wondering why I spent my evening sitting with moms and how it ties into our mission. UWCC is laser focused on serving our community, those struggling, barely able to make ends meet. Listening (my word for 2024), is how we truly dial into the areas of need, ensuring we leverage donor investments, direct service work, and funding nonprofit partnerships for maximum impact.
In that moment, my One Simple Thing was being present, listening to their dreams, and inspiring them to hold onto JOY amid stress and worry. Side note: several of these families were gifted with turkey dinners from Publix and were grateful for the chance to share a holiday meal with their family, something that felt out of reach.
Where do you fit in? What is your One Simple Thing this holiday season? My HOPE is that you feel inspired –- whether it is giving monetarily to the UWCC mission, volunteering your time, or simply reflecting on your own wish for the season.
During our conversation last night, we found that even dreaming and wishing can feel difficult. But we all have them. Often, stepping outside our selves brings the peace we need to navigate life’s challenges.
After this weekend’s frenzy, please remember that one of the more important days for a nonprofit is Giving Tuesday, coming up on December 3. This Global Day of Giving is especially important for organizations like ours. I don’t typically use this space to ask for donations, but this year, the need is undeniable. The heartache is great, and the stories are countless. In a community where 45% of residents are struggling – many now dealing with hurricane repairs – this season is especially hard. Even a small gift to UWCC on Giving Tuesday can have a big impact.
You have something to give, and trust me, it is One Simple Thing that can profoundly change someone’s world. Whether through your time or financial support, your kindness brings hope and healing. To learn more about Giving Tuesday and review our December give back events, please visit: www.unitedwayccfl.org/simplify.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.