When my son started high school, we found out that he had to complete 200 hours of community service.
I’ve always valued giving back to the community, and have pitched in on a variety of causes, but the number intimidated us. With homework, sports, meetings, and work, it just seemed like so much to plan and schedule.
Now, he’s a senior, and when I look back at his high school experiences, I know the community service aspect will be among the most valuable. He’s helped at a theater, volunteered at a charity 5K, donated canned goods to a food bank, mentored children with autism, cleared the trash from a creek near our house, and spent hours recycling the papers that accumulate at his school.
As I write this, in the week after Hurricane Helene cut a path through the Upstate, he’s at Greenville Downtown Airport, loading trucks with food, water, and supplies bound for hard-hit Western North Carolina. Each experience helps others, but also broadens his view and shows him the rewards that come from pitching in.
Our November Giving Issue is always one of my favorites, spotlighting the people and organizations that thrive on giving back. Quilts of Valor honors veterans with beautiful, and useful, keepsakes. Inspire Coffee House offers job opportunities for people with disabilities, plus delicious lattes. Many Upstate organizations are focused on helping people find creativity, community, and fulfillment, from the healthy camaraderie of Run Club GVL and Every Woman Cycling Team to the artistic exploration inspired by Piedmont Wood Carvers Club and Please Play Me Pianos.
And, of course, the winners of our annual Charitable Giving Awards, given in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greenville, are always immensely inspiring. The event, and the stories in these pages, recognize people and organizations who give their time and talents to make the Upstate healthier, safer, more equitable, and more beautiful.
My son is on track to graduate this spring with all 200 hours complete, and I hope the habit is ingrained in him now so that, like the people we spotlight here, he’ll keep right on giving.
