The season, and reason, to give

Every year, the holidays are a chance to celebrate with family and friends, whether it’s through giving a gift, sharing a meal, or spending time together. When I think about my own family, and everything I’m grateful for this Christmas, I always think about my cousin Keith, who was born with special needs.

Keith has inspired me almost as long as I can remember, and because of him I’ve had the privilege to become acquainted with an organization called Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities (ACLD). For over a decade, I’ve seen the ways this incredible organization gives opportunities, services, and support to people with a wide range of special needs.

This year, in the spirit of the season, I was touched and honored to have a cause close to my family adopted by my work family. NBCUniversal partnered with my friends at ACLD to participate in one of their biggest initiative: a clothing drive program called RewearAble. 

All six of our national offices participated in this effort – and the response was extraordinary. From New York to Chicago, Atlanta to Detroit, Los Angeles to Orlando, we donated 195 bags of clothes. Weighing in at 2,335 pounds, our organization was literally able to do a TON of good this holiday season.

These donations will be sorted, organized, and bundled by RewearAble employees—people with special needs served by the ACLD program who are given an opportunity to earn a steady income. In other words, whether someone is employed by the program or a receiving clothing to wear to, say, a job interview, these donations play a small part in helping people lead more independent lives.

Of course, this is just one organization from one small corner of the world, one example showing people coming together to do good. I know that these acts of charity are echoed throughout the country and the world, especially during the holiday season. But Keith and the ACLD aren’t just on our minds at Christmas, so I hope this example can inspire the spirit of giving throughout the year. 

More information about RewearAble here.

Learn more about ACLD here.

And the impressive numbers are in from ACLD!