Dear Beloved Community,
As the year draws to a close, as the Director of Nest Community Shelter, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support the community has showered upon us. Your kindness has illuminated the darkest corners and allowed the warmth of compassion to flourish within our walls. Our community’s generosity has astounded us in the most heartfelt manner this holiday season, from gifts and sweet treats to much-needed monetary support. As our holiday giving fundraiser comes to an end, I want to speak about one final gift, and perhaps it is the most impactful gift that can be given: the gift of time.
As the sole emergency shelter in La Porte County, we have witnessed the transformative power of community and the generosity of the human spirit. Today, we want to share a poignant aspect that makes our shelter not just a haven but a testament to the magic that happens when hearts unite – the gift of time.
Our daily operations, from serving meals to keeping watch through the night, from doing laundry to administrative tasks, are made possible through the critical and necessary support of our volunteers. They are the heartbeat of our shelter, infusing life into the very essence of what we stand for – a community bound by compassion and shared humanity with dignity and respect.
Imagine the aroma of a homemade meal, the sound of laughter during a shared conversation, and the comfort of a clean and warm bed – all made possible by the hands and hearts of those who choose to give the gift of time. Volunteers are the architects of the safe haven we provide, and without their dedication, our mission would remain incomplete.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, surrounded by the tradition of making resolutions, we invite you to consider a resolution that goes beyond the self – a resolution to make a lifelong impact. Set your sights on being a part of our volunteer community. Your time, whether spent cooking, cleaning, or offering a comforting presence, creates ripples that extend far beyond the walls of our shelter. Your time, talent, and treasure are so appreciated and will never go wasted as we work to improve the lives of our guests.
In the tapestry of life, your contributions weave a story of compassion, unity, and lasting change. Your resolution to volunteer is a promise not just for today but for generations to come. It’s a legacy of kindness that reverberates through our community, shaping a future where no one is left without shelter, warmth, and hope. Your actions directly impact and will continue to live on in the lives of our guests, our community, and the hearts of all.
So, as you reflect on the year gone by and ponder the aspirations for the one ahead, consider making the resolution to be a part of our volunteer community. As our holiday giving fundraiser comes to an end, the last gift we ask our community to give is the gift of time. Your time is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those in need. Together, let’s create a legacy of compassion that stands as a beacon for all. Your time, given selflessly, is a gift that lives on, echoing through the hearts and lives of our guests and the community we serve.
With heartfelt appreciation and warm wishes,
Harrison Holtkamp
If you would like to give of your time, talent or treasure, or learn more about Nest Community Shelter please click on the button below.
