Mention the word “business” and folks have a world of different thoughts. Good or bad; rarely considered, is indifference.
I love business. Over the years I have become enamored with those that change things. I have always valued businesses that get behind communities. These will be the ones that participate by paying their employees to volunteer some place, giving space to organizations that are changing and shaping communities for the better, and those that give out of the goodness of their hearts because they see it changing things
For years, I have advocated for the business that is local. To buy locally when we can. There are so many reasons this develops a better culture for where we live. My favorite reason is…people. {{more}}
A week never goes by that you do not see headlines and stories on our site about businesses helping their community. (Here is one. Michigan brewery eliminates school’s lunch debt)
A few weeks ago, I published an article about a young girl who wanted to collect money to help folks with epilepsy. Lemonade for Livy, a fundraising event for the Epilepsy Foundation. Nicholas J. Koloski, the co-owner of Time-Out Americana Grill in Claremont New Hampshire, helped her by giving her a place to set up and promoted the event amongst folks in the community.
This was his note in follow up, “We don’t deserve the thank you. YOU all do. With the online donations and the visits today you took her goal of $150.00 and made that into $1513.00. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I made a little friend for life and you put some smiles on a little face. Bless you all.”
Amazing!
Last night I posted this story, Former Texas Pastor Opens Free Auto Shop for Women Who Are ‘Short on Money and Long on Car Troubles’. I found it in People. 6 years ago, Pastor Chris Williams, then a children’s pastor, borrowed money and campaigned for donations, and several months later opened God’s Garage, a non-profit auto repair service that focuses on helping single mothers, widows and the wives of deployed military members.
Yet, another business changing a community.
I am fortunate to live in a community, where business often lends their hand, to change things in the community. Rarely a day goes by, that I haven’t seen a notification of a business extending a hand for the betterment of our town.
Other communities are in the same great situation.
This past week, once again Time-Out had this post on their Facebook page.
When I was a child I wanted to play floor hockey in middle school. To me as a kid, this would mean I would need a stick and all the accessories my friends had. Raised by a single Mom who worked multiple jobs to provide for us I soon realized we couldn’t afford it. She got me a stick we could afford so I was able to play. She went without things so I could have the kid opportunities my friends had. Fast-forwarding, it means a lot to me that as of yesterday we were able to as mother/son small business owners fill a local need sponsoring a youth soccer team. This would be the same age and soccer program I also participated in as a kid. Today we are happy to announce, snowboards, cross country skis, hockey skates, goalie pads, assorted sports gear and cleats in great condition available from our family to any area youths who need gear. Drop a message to my personal Facebook page if there is something you are looking for and we can see if we can find a match. Thank you and be good to one another.
We need more of this in our culture. How else will we get rid of the “us versus them” thinking?
Want more evidence of goodness?
We are approaching year 4 of this following event. Free Haircuts For School Kids In Keene. The Barbery owner and barber, Shalem Bencivenga, is gathering fellow barbers and providing school children with free haircuts. Last year, they gave 150 youngsters, fresh haircuts to begin their school year.
Businesses helping the folks of their communities. Businesses caring about the quality of lives and offering compassionate help and services to their communities.
If you know of businesses changing communities, folks want to hear about it. They are looking for stories that tell others about folks who are bettering their towns and cities.
To all the businesses reaching out into the community to make them better, we commend you. Thank you for all that you do.
Positive News For You is always looking for great places, positive events and more.
If you are interested in being an advertiser on our food pages and review, we have a great program.
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