This time of year reminds us of the importance of two things.
First, giving. It’s during the holidays that the need comes to the
fore and reminds us of those less fortunate who need help. Second,
the need to shop local.
This time of year reminds us of the importance of two things. First, giving. It’s during the holidays that the need comes to the fore and reminds us of those less fortunate who need help. Second, the need to shop local.
The two go hand in hand. When you shop local, tax dollars stay local, and local nonprofits and charities benefit from a healthy economy. And, while times are tough, it’s important to give as much as you can. Money helps, but when giving is difficult, volunteering is valuable.
You may have options for giving. The Times has – and will continue through the holidays – to publish a list of ways to help. Pen a holiday card to the troops, donate a warm coat, give canned goods, or donate a new toy are just a few of the ways. The list is also available at www.morganhilltimes.com. The benefit of giving is not the tax write off, but the smile or handshake that produces a warm feeling of satisfaction deep inside. That feeling cannot be duplicated. It’s heartfelt, precious and can lead to more good.
The brick-and-mortar small-business owners represent the backbone of our local economy. Small-business owners are often our friends and neighbors and the people with whom we worship. Due to the struggling economy, the Internet and the presence of large chain retail stores, the futures of many small business here are in peril.
In this “what’s-in-it-for-me?” era, here are some reasons for spending money with local businesses.
- You will conserve energy. Why drive miles to a major mall or metropolitan shopping district when you can likely find what you need only a mile or two away?
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You will keep your money and your tax dollars in town. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent locally, $68 stays local. For every $100 spent at a national chain store, only $43 stays local. Sales tax dollars stay local as well, helping city governments pay for basic services such as police and fire protection, road maintenance, parks and recreation services.
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Local businesses generate local jobs. Income to those businesses is returned in the form of salaries, which are spent locally as well. And don’t forget all those youth team sponsorships, raffle items, high school scholarships and other investments in our community that are made by local merchants. They don’t have to do any of that, but they do because they care.
We’re not naive enough to suggest you do all of your shopping locally this holiday season. Those Black Friday ads certainly are appealing, along with the one-click convenience of buying on the Internet. But we would like to offer a compromise.
Choose three local businesses you would miss if they closed. Stop in, browse and perhaps buy a holiday gift or two. Then, commit to spending at least $50 per month, every month, at local stores.
By shopping locally, you can save time, gas and money, and help our neighbor businesses at a time they need us the most.
