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Pope says Nativity scenes should go in town squares, schools

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Local photographer raises funds for Dinner for Kids

<p>Winston Churchill famously said, &#8220;We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.&#8221;</p><p>By giving our time, energy and finances we help others, our community, and, in turn, ourselves. Like healthy habits and good genes, studies show that a spirit of generosity may increase our lifespan and improve our physical and mental health.</p><p>And giving not only feels good, it helps to move the needle in meaningful ways on some of the complicated social problems facing our region. There are more than 2,000 varied nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania that exist to serve and are making a real difference. Employees and volunteers work tirelessly, often on shoestring budgets, to address issues such as childhood poverty, homelessness and hunger. They help to fill gaps in services and work to solve regional problems &#8211; which benefits us all.</p><p>And there is no better time to give of ourselves than at the holidays. With the hustle and bustle officially in full swing, it is important to take time to remember those in our region for whom this may not be the most wonderful time of the year.</p><p>Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, the biggest charitable day of the year and a chance for us to give back to our community. Supporting a nonprofit or cause near and dear to your heart can make a big difference in the lives of others and help create social change in our region.</p><p>Alana Roberts, PPL Regional Affairs Director and co-chair of the United Way of Wyoming Valley&#8217;s annual campaign, has seen first-hand how volunteering one&#8217;s time and finances can make a difference in our region.</p><p>&#8220;I am invested in the United Way&#8217;s effort to help reduce childhood poverty and make sure all children have access to high quality early education. If children have a strong educational foundation, it helps them succeed later in life. I am fortunate to be living, working and raising my family here, and I think it is important to give back to the community as much as we can.&#8221;</p><p>With two children of her own, Alana also served as a big sister to a young girl for several years until the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of Lackawanna County was put on hold due to lack of funding. &#8220;I was really sad to see the program end &#8211; hopefully they will find a way to get it back on track. It provided an opportunity for children to make healthy connections with someone outside of their situation who really cares about them.&#8221;</p><p>There is no better way to get in the holiday spirit than to open our hearts and wallets to help those in need. Giving Tuesday offers a great opportunity to ensure that local nonprofits and charities will have the funding necessary to continue their important efforts.</p><p>Helping these organizations helps our neighbors, friends, family and those in the community who rely on their services. Our collective efforts can have lasting positive effects for our region. So please consider supporting your favorite local nonprofit Tuesday. Together we really can make a difference!</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Susan Magnotta</p><p>Guest Columnist</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Susan Magnotta is Director of Community Outreach at The Institute. Her column appears every other Monday.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Institute Insights: Help make a difference on Giving Tuesday