People often think of philanthropy as something that happens on a grand scale. They picture large donations, big galas, or national campaigns with famous names attached. But the truth is, the heart of giving lives much closer to home. In small cities like Attleboro, it is the quiet, everyday acts of kindness and service that make the biggest difference.
Over the years, through my work and volunteer service, I have seen how simple gestures, like serving on a board, mentoring a student, or helping organize a local fundraiser, can ripple through a community in powerful ways.
The Power of Showing Up
One of the lessons I have learned from serving on local boards is that impact begins with showing up. Whether it is the YMCA, Sturdy Memorial Hospital Foundation, or one of our local schools, the people who step forward to volunteer are the ones who keep these organizations moving forward.
When I joined the YMCA board, I remember feeling unsure of how much difference I could make. But over time, I saw how each voice in the room mattered. One person might have a background in finance, another in education, and another in community outreach. When we combined our perspectives, we were able to make thoughtful decisions that truly benefited families.
Sometimes showing up means attending a meeting after a long day or volunteering at an event when you are already juggling work and family. It is not always glamorous. But I have found that the most meaningful contributions often happen in those small, steady moments when people come together to help their neighbors.
Giving Time, Not Just Money
We all know that donations are important, but giving time can be just as valuable. Many people feel they do not have enough money to make a real difference, but every person has something to offer.
When I first started volunteering, I quickly realized that organizations need more than funding. They need people to serve on committees, mentor young members, or simply lend a listening ear. Time and attention are forms of generosity that build trust and connection.
For example, serving on the board of the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum has given me a deep appreciation for our city’s history. Volunteers there work tirelessly to preserve stories and artifacts that remind us who we are. It is not about profit or publicity. It is about honoring the past so that future generations can understand where they come from. That kind of giving enriches a community far beyond any dollar amount.
The Multiplier Effect
What I love most about local giving is how it multiplies. One small act inspires another. A parent volunteers at a school event, which encourages another to join the next time. A teenager who participates in a YMCA program grows up and decides to become a mentor. A local business sponsors a fundraiser, and other businesses follow suit.
These ripples spread quietly but consistently. They strengthen relationships, build pride, and create a sense of belonging. I have seen this firsthand in Attleboro. When people invest in their community, the community becomes stronger, kinder, and more resilient.
Teaching the Next Generation
As a mother, I try to model this idea of giving back for my children. I want them to understand that being part of a community means contributing to it. Whether it is volunteering at a school fundraiser, supporting a local charity drive, or helping a neighbor, these acts teach empathy and responsibility.
Children watch what we do more than what we say. When they see us give our time and energy to others, they learn that they, too, can make a difference. Some of my proudest moments have been when my daughters have suggested ways to help someone in need or asked to join me at a volunteer event. Those moments remind me that generosity is contagious.
Balancing Service and Everyday Life
People often ask how I find the time for community service while managing a busy law practice and family life. The answer is simple: I make it a priority, but I also keep it realistic. You do not have to take on everything at once.
Start small. Attend a local event. Join a committee that meets a few times a year. Help organize a fundraiser or volunteer at a community fair. Every contribution matters. What feels small to you might be life-changing for someone else.
I have found that service actually gives me energy. It connects me to people outside of my usual circles and reminds me that we all share responsibility for the place we live. The more involved I become, the more gratitude I feel for this community and the people in it.
The Human Connection
At its core, philanthropy is not about wealth or recognition. It is about human connection. It is about seeing a need and doing something about it, no matter how small.
I think about the volunteers I have met over the years, the retirees who organize food drives, the teachers who coach after-school programs, the local business owners who quietly sponsor community projects. None of them are looking for praise. They do it because they care. Their kindness reminds me that community is not built by big gestures alone. It grows through countless everyday acts of generosity.
The Ripple Effect Is Real
Attleboro is a wonderful place because people here believe in helping one another. I see it in our schools, our hospitals, our places of worship, and our local businesses. Every time someone gives their time or talent, it strengthens the foundation of our city.
The ripple effect of local giving is real. When one person steps forward, others follow. Over time, those ripples become waves of change that reach every corner of the community.
So if you have been thinking about getting involved but are not sure where to start, just take one small step. Volunteer for a day, join a committee, or mentor someone who needs guidance. You might be surprised by how much impact you can have, and how much joy you will feel in return.