Give Thanks, Give Back: Make a Difference This Holiday Season

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving family traditions? What special activities make this holiday so memorable?

I have a particularly fond memory of a Thanksgiving from my high school years. Our family gathered at a clubhouse in my aunt’s housing complex. It was a truly memorable time filled with laughter, delicious food and heartfelt conversations. We played games, shared stories and strengthened our bonds. That day, we forged deeper connections with family members, gaining a newfound appreciation for each other’s lives. Memories formed that day still bring a smile to my face.

As we reflect on our blessings this Thanksgiving, let’s remember the importance of family values and the power of generosity. Giving, caring and showing kindness to others are values that can inspire hope. By supporting those in need, we can make a positive impact on their lives.

Hope Throughout the Year

As the year draws to a close, charities across the country are working hard to raise funds and support their missions. At CICOA, we’re no different. We rely on the generosity of our supporters to continue providing essential services to older adults and people with disabilities.

Many of the older adults and people with disabilities that we serve are not in a position to care for their ongoing basic needs. Last year, we provided 435,903 meals, 19,857 transportation rides, 292 home modifications, and served 15,716 care-managed clients. These numbers highlight the vital role we play in our community.

Sharing Your Blessings

To continue our mission, we need your support. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate: Your generous gift can make a real difference.
• Volunteer: Share your time and talents at one of our events.
• Advocate: Spread the word about CICOA and encourage friends, neighbors, elected officials and others to support our cause.

Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to provide these essential services, like hot meals to seniors who are struggling to afford groceries. Imagine a world where older adults and people with disabilities lack access to nutritious meals, community resources and supportive care. We can prevent this by coming together and taking action.

What are you thankful for this year? Whatever it may be, you likely appreciate the comforts and conveniences of everyday life. For many of the people we serve, these simple joys may be out of reach. This holiday season, you can be the one to provide a warm meal, a friendly face to deliver food, and a home modification to keep them safe at home. Your donation can help ensure they have access to the care and support they need to age in place.

Ways to Give Thanks and Give Back

Here are a few ways to give:

• One-time or Monthly Gifts: A simple and effective way to support our mission.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Make a tax-advantageous gift from your IRA.
• Donor-Advised Funds: Direct a portion of your fund to CICOA.
• Asset Gifts: Consider donating stocks or other assets.
• Matching Gifts: Double or even triple your impact through your employer’s matching gift program.

We are truly grateful for your support. When you take the time to consider what you are most thankful for and choose to make a difference by donating to CICOA, you’re helping to create a brighter future for older adults and people with disabilities.

I can look back on that special Thanksgiving day with warm memories because we all gave a bit of ourselves, and it made an impact on each of our lives. When we give, we allow others to experience our joy. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at CICOA!

Steve Gerber

Steve Gerber brings experience in pastoral ministry, nonprofit management and fundraising team leadership to his role as CICOA’s chief development officer. Steve is responsible for the agency’s overall fundraising strategy, leading annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, grants and special events.

He holds designations for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy^® (CAP^®), and the executive certificate in religious fundraising. Steve earned a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University, a master’s degree from Grace Theological Seminary and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.