*This post was sponsored by Frost Bank for their Frost It Forward campaign*

With the start of the new year you’re probably thinking about ways to better yourself in 2020. One common resolution is to volunteer more, which is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. While I think that volunteering regularly should be a priority in each of our lives, I believe that it is extremely important for us to recognize the people we know who have dedicated their lives and entire careers to helping others. 

GIVING BACK TO THOSE WHO GIVE BACK

The people serving day in and day out are the ones who make the biggest impact. However, observing those I know in nonprofit spaces, I’m more aware than ever that their dedication leads to emotional exhaustion and what is commonly called compassion fatigue. While a few volunteer hours here and there are helpful (and necessary), I’ve decided to start being more intentional about giving back to those who have dedicated their lives to giving back. Not only does this help them become more refreshed personally, the people they serve will be better loved as a result. When Frost Bank reached out to me about partnering with them for their Frost It Forward campaign, I knew I wanted to give back to the staff and volunteers of a local nonprofit.  

CORNERSTONE CROSSROADS ACADEMY

One of the nonprofits that I love in north Texas is Cornerstone Crossroads Academy (CCA). CCA is much more than a school. In addition to earning credits towards a high school diploma, CCA students have several opportunities for development and support. Every student who enrolls at CCA is expected to graduate with a high school diploma and enter college and/or the workforce. Students are also equipped to learn, think, plan, and problem-solve. 

I used my Frost It Forward Card to purchase drinks, snacks, office supplies, and a restaurant gift card for the CCA staff and volunteers. Frost also provided $10 Frost It Forward gift card for the staff to use as prizes for students or to take students out for meals.   

FROST IT FORWARD

How can you spread generosity and optimism this year? While there are countless ways to do so, here are a few ideas to get you started…

• Buy groceries for a family struggling financially.
• Pay for the meal of someone else in the restaurant. 
• Leave a gift at your doorstep for your mailman or package delivery person.
• Buy some food or food delivery gift cards gift cards for the family of someone who is hospitalized. 
• Give a monetary donation to a nonprofit of your choice.

Do you have your own unique idea to spread generosity? You can share your idea with Frost and you may receive a gift card to Frost It Forward this season here.