Pondering a Holiday Classic

by Pamela Focá

During this time of year, my custom has been to take out the old Christmas classic written by Charles Dickens and read it as theatrically as possible to whosoever would privilege me the opportunity to do so. The protagonist of this tale eventually comes to realize the importance of the giving of his time, talent and treasure to the people around him.

Pondering this story I thought of how wonderful it is to work at the National Grid Foundation, an organization that strives to help mitigate the hardships of the underserved within our communities. I thought of the many programs we’ve supported throughout the years and how it made a world of difference to those in need. Sequentially, people helped by these programs become proficient advocates themselves who in turn lift up others. This encourages us to want to do even more.

The Foundation looks to support organizations whose model can be emulated by others providing sustainability for creating healthy, thriving communities. Programs which strengthen through education, workforce development, and environmental stewardship are important ways to advance many, giving them opportunities for replicatable success. We also provide emergency heating funds to insure help when needed.

During the pandemic, when the necessity of staple items became scarce, I saw The Foundation’s resolve tried. True to its core values its board and staff worked tirelessly to do as much as we could to alleviate the burdens of those struggling. During that time we included much needed Covid items and stocked food pantries.

There is always more that can be done. So, the question once asked by Ebeneezer Scrooge is still a question which should be asked often of individual and institution alike ...

I know all of us at National Grid Foundation will continue to support, and promote organizations and programs which rise to the occasion of the betterment of the people we serve in our communities; That the shadows of impossibility, despair, discouragement may vanish away by lending of our time, talent and treasure to those in need. We hope you will join us and make a difference.❧