By Jim Toes, STA

Amid a pandemic that has continued to present obstacles and affect our families, friends and neighbors, the holiday season is still a joyous time for many of us. We may have had to adapt some of our cherished traditions, but we can still be grateful for the support of loved ones, bountiful meals and the ability to feel safe and secure in our homes.
Unfortunately, this does not describe the holiday season for everyone. As ever, too many individuals in our own communities and around the world are struggling this year. In many cases, circumstances related to the pandemic have magnified the challenges that people are facing, whether job loss, food insecurity, homelessness, disruption to education or something else entirely.On top of that, many of the charities that help to alleviate these difficulties are suffering from their own fiscal challenges in the wake of the pandemic, compounding the problem.

For this reason, we at STA ask that you consider lending your time or support to charitable causes this holiday season. This is always a natural time to give back, and with the events of the past two years, your support is needed now more than ever.

“Find your cause. Find what truly moves you and motivates you, because there are so many wonderful charities out there,” said Harkins. “You have to do what touches your heart because then you’ll put everything into it, and the reward is personally fulfilling as well.”

It’s no secret that careers on Wall Street come with a level of privilege that puts us in a position to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Most of us do not need to worry about where our next meal is coming from, so why not share some of that prosperity with members of your community? Your giving will make a much greater impact than simply exchanging gifts with loved ones, and ultimately, it’s what this time of year is all about.

Of course, most of us already wish we were doing more to give back, but with so many outstanding charities out there, taking that first step can feel overwhelming. What is the best way for industry professionals and other citizens to get involved and make a difference?

At STA’s 88th Annual Market Structure Conference in October, industry executives and nonprofit leaders gathered for a Morning of Philanthropy & Recognition, which saw STA Foundation’s Individual Big Heart for Charity Award recipients participate in a panel on their charity work. They discussed their views on giving back, including how to leverage your job to make an impact and the importance of finding a cause that truly resonates with you.

“It shouldn’t just be only the large organizations that are involved,” said Silvia Davi of V&S Strategic Consulting, who was recognized for her work with Tuesday’s Children, an organization that serves children and families affected by terrorism, military conflict or mass violence. “I think we all have something to share. When it comes to the families of Tuesday’s Children, we’re looking for mentors that can lend their support and provide that wisdom that might usually come from a parent.”

Those remarks echoed what Bryan Harkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Trumid and co-founder of Wall Street Rides FAR, an annual charity bike ride that raises money for the Autism Science Foundation, said upon receiving his Big Heart for Charity Award last year.

“Find your cause. Find what truly moves you and motivates you, because there are so many wonderful charities out there,” said Harkins. “You have to do what touches your heart because then you’ll put everything into it, and the reward is personally fulfilling as well.”

You can’t go wrong following that advice. While the number of injustices in the world is too high to count, each one of us has a unique role to play in reducing it. If you’re a great cook, why not spend some time at your local soup kitchen? If you know someone with a learning disability, consider becoming a tutor as a way to honor them. If sports are your passion, you can find a charity that delivers equipment to underserved communities. No matter who you are, there’s a cause out there that will benefit from your contributions, so what are you waiting for?

This time of year, it is important to count our blessings, and doing more to help others is a resolution that all of us should feel compelled to make in 2022. We at STA wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!