As the year comes to an end, everyone begins to reflect on how the past year went, what they could do in these final few days of 2021 and how to make next year even better.
One idea to consider is by simply being generous.
Why is being generous so important? Because generosity sets the tone for a family, for a friendship, for a community.
People who are generous report a greater sense of satisfaction and happiness. People who are generous have more fulfilling relationships. People who are generous get their value not from what they own but rather from helping others.
When we are generous, we realize how much we really have. Maybe it is giving our time walking dogs at the Humane Society. Maybe it is giving of our talent teaching others how to make stained glass windows. May it is giving of our extra coats as the cold weather moves in.
Instead of believing in a scarcity mindset, those who are generous realize we have more than we need and can find contentment by giving of their time, talent and treasure to others.
So I would like to just take a moment on behalf of the McCook Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee to say our appreciation for all the generosity we have seen this past year and the past 20 years since MCFF formed.
One of the blessings of MCFF is that the organization exists as a tool for others to use their financial resources for a greater good than themselves or just material possessions.
Just one example is the Big Give McCook last month. Over its six years, Big Give McCook has grown year after year because of the generosity of the community. There are more organizations involved. There are more individual donors. And there are more donations.
Then McCook and Southwest Nebraska followed up a few weeks later by hosting Nebraska Community Foundation’s annual training and celebration. Dozens of local volunteers gave hundreds of hours to welcome people from across the state and the midwest, showcasing what makes our communities special and unique.
And on Dec. 31, MCFF will wrap-up the four-year Sehnert Challenge campaign, which raised more than $600,000 for the community. The total would not have been reached were it not for the many generous people who saw the value in giving of their financial resources to benefit generations to come.
There certainly have been trials and tribulations over the past year, including the passing of many great people. But when reflecting back on their legacies, it was their generosity which made our communities better.
We lost one of McCook’s biggest cheerleaders in Cloyd Clark. To this day anytime the McCook Rotary Club does a good rendition of “Home on the Range,” there is the comment that Cloyd would be proud. He was not shy in sharing his deep baritone voice to kick the Rotary sing-along up a notch. He was also not shy in sharing his time and ideas, whether on the Norris Institute or Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival.
The legacy of Tor Olson can still be felt throughout the community. His beautiful photographs can be found in many people’s homes and even the wall of the Bieroc Cafe. Some of the signs for the trails he worked on at Red Willow State Recreation Area are in, soon to be installed. And as a biker who shared his passion for cycling, he would be so proud of the shed with loaner bikes available, which was created jointly by Nebraska Games and Park staff and MCFF’s Youth Change Reaction group.
And finally, take a look at MCFF’s “In Memory Of” list in the Gazette earlier this week to see some of those who have passed but left an indelible mark on our area. These are just a few of the people who gave of themselves, their time and their resources to make the community better.
As we celebrate the season of giving, let’s remember that by being generous, we can benefit more than the receiver. By being generous, we can possibly find that contentment and happiness. And by being generous, we can make our communities an even better place to call home.
