By Megan Bailey

Discover how giving transforms lives and boosts well-being, and get ideas about how you can give back to your community.

The holiday season is often seen as a time for giving. Beyond the joy it brings to recipients, acts of kindness and generosity have scientifically proven benefits for those who give. At IBSS, our commitment to giving back extends year-round, but the holidays are a special time to reflect on our community efforts. Let’s explore why giving is so powerful for individuals and organizations and how you can get involved. 

The Science of Giving Back

From improving mental health to fostering deeper social connections, giving taps into something more important than ourselves. Here’s a closer look at how generosity positively impacts our minds, bodies, and relationships.

• Boosts Mental Health: Studies show that acts of generosity stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters can reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and connection.
• Improves Physical Health: Research published in the American Psychological Association found that people who volunteer regularly tend to have lower blood pressure and live longer. Giving back can reduce cortisol levels, which helps mitigate the negative effects of chronic stress.
• Strengthens Social Bonds: Engaging in acts of kindness fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens relationships. Being part of a giving community improves emotional well-being and creates lasting connections.
• Encourages Gratitude: Giving often leads to a greater appreciation for what we have. Gratitude is associated with improved sleep, better resilience, and higher levels of satisfaction in life.

How You Can Give Back this Season

The holiday season is a perfect time to spread joy and make a difference, no matter how big or small the gesture. Remember, giving back doesn’t always require monetary donations or grand gestures. Sometimes, the greatest gift is your time, effort, or compassion. Here are some ideas: 

• Volunteer Your Time: Local shelters, food banks, and community organizations often need extra help during the holidays. Whether serving meals, organizing donations, or mentoring, your time can have an impact.
• Donate to Those in Need: Consider giving to toy drives, clothing banks, or holiday meal programs to bring joy to families during the season. Many organizations make it easy to contribute essentials to underserved communities.
• Spread Kindness Locally: Acts of kindness, like shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, writing thank-you notes, or delivering homemade treats, can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect of positivity.
• Engage in Workplace Giving: If your company supports community initiatives, get involved! Encourage colleagues to join, or even suggest a holiday giving campaign to expand your organization’s impact.

Why Giving Back Matters for Organizations

Companies that give back improve their communities and benefit from a more engaged and satisfied workforce. Studies suggest that employees who participate in corporate giving programs feel more connected to their company’s mission, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention. Additionally, 89% of surveyed workers said that companies sponsoring volunteer activities offer a better work environment than the ones that don’t.  

IBSS Volunteer Team: Making an Impact in 2024

At IBSS, we’re proud to contribute to the communities we serve. Our volunteer team and employees have made meaningful contributions this year. Here is a small sampling of what we were involved in: 

• Toiletry Drive: Our Northeast team organized a toiletry drive, collecting over $1,000 worth of toiletries to donate to the Falmouth Service Center. These supplies supported community members in need. 
• Supporting Local Teachers: IBSS donated $200 Amazon gift cards to four deserving teachers, ensuring they had the resources needed to support their classrooms.
• Environmental Clean Ups: Our commitment to environmental stewardship was highlighted during two major cleanups this year: Sandy Point State Park and the Anacostia Watershed. 
• Project GiveBack: IBSS employees joined together and gave thanks by helping to assemble and deliver Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need through Project GiveBack. The food boxes contained items like turkey, whole chicken, breakfast sausage, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and apples. Over 5,000 boxes were made.
• Blanket Drive for the Homeless: We have an ongoing blanket drive during the winter months to provide blankets, hats, scarfs, and gloves to the homeless in the DMV area.
• Trips to Annapolis: Each year, IBSS takes 60 middle school students on a trip around the Annapolis Bay and also treats the students to lunch.
• Holiday Gifts for Families in Need: IBSS is providing gifts for 25 families in need this holiday season.
• Calling Seniors: Several IBSS employees call a senior each week. These calls make a big difference in these seniors’ lives.

At IBSS, creating a positive impact is a shared responsibility. Our efforts to give back align with our mission and reinforce the values that drive us as an organization. This holiday season, let’s remember the profound power of kindness to connect, inspire, and uplift us all.