Season of Giving and Gratitude
In this season of giving, moments of collective kindness remind us what’s possible when a community comes together. One such moment unfolded during a recent Thanksgiving initiative, when multiple organizations united around a shared purpose: providing 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to families. Fueled by the generosity of community partners and the dedication of nearly 200 volunteers, meals were thoughtfully packed and delivered throughout the community—demonstrating how collaboration can transform compassion into meaningful impact.
“I remember near the end of the event, when all but a couple of meals had gone out, receiving a call from one of our families. Mom shared that when she signed up to receive the meal a few weeks prior, that she was still in her home. Since then, she has become homeless and is staying at an extended stay motel with her children during the holiday. She asked if I could deliver the meal items there, even though a volunteer had already delivered to her former address. Thankfully, we always keep a few meals back in case of these types of situations, so I was able to deliver a meal to the motel for the family. Dad came to grab the items from my vehicle and when he saw the items his eyes widened and he said, All of This?! I told him yes, and he thanked me several times. This is why we do this. It is more than just a meal. It is an opportunity to create positive memories, it is a gap filler, it is a relief for many who are concerned with how they will feed their children during the long weekend.”
– Artrella Cohn, Senior Director of Community Engagement and Student Investment at Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo
Moments like these are only possible when we come together. Every staff member, board member, volunteer, family, community partner, business, organization, and college that contributed—whether through financial support or in-kind donations—played a vital role in making this collective effort a reality.
Thank you to partnering organizations: The Kalamazoo Promise, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, New World Flood, Fatherhood Network, YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated -Kappa Psi Lamba chapter, and SpartanNash with sponsorship from Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Advia Credit Union, United Way of South Central Michigan, Kalsec, and Pfizer.
Another meaningful moment in this season of giving came through our annual Giving Tuesday initiative—a global generosity movement that inspires people to give, collaborate, and celebrate the power of kindness.
For the seventh year in a row, our team had the privilege of delivering special treats to one deserving staff member at each school where our coordinators serve. These honorees are individuals who go above and beyond every day to support and uplift students. The day was filled with warm smiles, heartfelt hugs, and words of gratitude that spoke volumes.
“I really enjoy the giving back we do at CIS for Giving Tuesday. It often highlights people in unique ways and the reactions from the recipients are very meaningful. Since Giving Tuesday is often a time when many nonprofits, including ours, are asking for support, it’s nice that we take a different approach and focus on giving instead.”
– Felicia Lemons, Development and Marketing Project Manager
While the gifts themselves were modest, they carried something far greater. For many recipients, hearing their dedication acknowledged and their impact recognized was deeply meaningful and reminding us all that appreciation, when given sincerely, can leave a lasting impression.
As we reflect on the year, we are reminded of the countless moments of giving, acts of kindness, and opportunities for growth that make our community so special. The initiatives highlighted here represent just a few of the ways people have come together to make a difference. While this list is far from exhaustive, each story is a testament to the power of generosity and the impact we can create when we support one another. Thank you for being part of this journey and for championing the mission of CIS—your support truly makes a difference.
Tags: Advia Credit Union, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated -Kappa Psi Lamba chapter, Fatherhood Network, GivingTuesday, Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, New World Flood, Pfizer, SpartanNash, The Kalamazoo Promise, United Way of South Central Michigan, YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
