The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, celebration and unity. However, it can also be a challenging period for many in our communities who face financial hardships, loneliness or family struggles. December is the perfect time to pause, reflect and ask “how can I make a difference in my community?”
At Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, the answer lies in the power of volunteering. Founder Kevin Rowe learned this lesson early in life from his father, Sam Rowe, whose acts of service inspired a lifelong passion for giving back. Watching his father organize local cancer benefits, Kevin saw firsthand how small, thoughtful actions could ripple out to change lives. That legacy became the foundation of what started as the Rowe Family Foundation and turned into what is now Lerner & Rowe Gives Back.
This December, as you look for ways to make a difference, consider how you can join your community in spreading hope and joy. Here are a few ways to make a difference this month:
Support local nonprofits
Local organizations often see an increase in need during the holiday season. Whether you’re donating funds, food or time, your contributions can directly impact families in your area.
Many nonprofits rely on year-end support to sustain their services for the months to come, making December an especially critical time to give. Even a small financial contribution can provide meals, shelter or essential supplies to those in crisis.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider reaching out to organizations like food banks, children’s hospitals or animal shelters in your community. Your generosity can make all the difference.
One particularly impactful way to support Arizona nonprofits is through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. This program allows residents to contribute to qualifying charities and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes — up to $470 for individuals and $938 for joint filers.
The tax credit a powerful incentive to give back while reducing your tax burden. By directing your tax dollars to organizations that support children, families and individuals in need, you’re making an investment in your community’s well-being.
Organize a donation drive
From coats and blankets to toys and pet supplies, organizing a donation drive at your workplace or in your neighborhood can rally others to support a cause close to your heart.
Encourage friends, family and colleagues to participate by setting a collective goal and making it fun, such as a friendly competition to see who can donate the most items.
Many of us have items that we no longer need and knowing that those gently-loved items are going to someone in need makes it that much more fulfilling.
Volunteer as a family
Volunteering together not only strengthens family bonds but also teaches children the value of giving. In the early days of Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, Kevin and his daughter started volunteering with McKenna Youth Foundation, building bicycles and giving them to families in need.
The goal was to teach the spirit of giving to his child, but the results were further reaching. Today, the event has become an office-wide tradition that Kevin and his family still attend, alongside staff members and their families.
Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter or wrapping holiday gifts for kids, these shared moments leave a lasting legacy. By showing kids that giving back can be fun and fulfilling, you’ll plant seeds of kindness that will grow throughout their lives. This quality time together creates memories that outshine any material gift.
At Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, we’re proud to pay it forward year-round, but December holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a time when the spirit of giving shines brightest, and the collective impact of volunteers becomes a powerful force for good.
Editor’s note: Jordan Moreno is a community relations and marketing professional in Phoenix. She is director of charitable giving for Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys, spearheading initiatives by Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, a nonprofit found by Kevin Rowe. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
