This holiday season – no matter which holiday you celebrate – is not just a time to reflect on the past year, it is also a time of incredible generosity. People are more moved to do more for others during this time of year than they are at any other; focusing on those who may be in greater need than ourselves and those who have fewer resources than we do.

That spirit of generosity makes a difference throughout the year for so many local organizations and service providers, including The Center.

As this year very quickly comes to a close, I am amazed at how much The Center, and our entire LGBT community, has accomplished this year. These achievements would not have been possible without the tremendous generosity of our San Diego LGBT community. Without the support of our community, The Center would be unable to do what it does best – connect and serve all of LGBT San Diego.

Whether you are passionate about equality and public policy, committed to top-quality health and mental health services, continued support for those living with HIV/AIDS or the specific issues facing women, men, seniors, youth or Latinos, The Center has a place for you and a way for you to support those areas that move and inspire you. Whatever issue or program speaks most to you or touches your heart, I guarantee you that your support of that service or program will make a difference for thousands of LGBT San Diegans.

We hope that during this holiday season, when you are thinking of giving, that you will consider making a gift to The Center. It will be a gift you can feel good about, and one that will make a huge difference for all of LGBT San Diego.

Five things you can do to support The Center this holiday season:

1. Make a year-end donation. Help us continue LGBT San Diego’s longstanding tradition of taking care of our community members by making an end-of-year gift this holiday season. You can make a one-time donation or make an even bigger difference by joining I Belong, The Center’s monthly giving program. By giving $10, $25 or $125 per month by credit card, you are strengthening our community and securing the health, civil and human right for each and every community member.

2. Volunteer – resolve to get involved. Join our dynamic corps of more than 300 volunteers. From special events to program services that support our youth, seniors and adult men and women, we have something for everyone. Visit the volunteer resources page on our Web site and get started today!

3. Turn your holiday party into a benefit. When hosting a holiday party this year, consider asking your guests to make a donation to The Center or to your favorite Center program instead of bringing gifts. In addition to supporting our community, their donation is completely tax deductible! Not sure how to organize this? We’ll help. Contact Jennifer Jones, director of development, at (619) 692-2077 ext. 204 or jjones@thecentersd.org.

4. Donate through the United Way Workplace Giving Program. Bet you didn’t know that The Center is a certified recipient of United Way workplace dollars. Consider donating your hard-earned dollars to The Center this year. The Center’s designation code is 6204.

5. In-kind gifts are gifts of goods or services. You can support The Center by providing professional services (e.g., printing, catering, floral arranging, etc.) or by donating goods we might otherwise pay for (e.g., food items for small fund-raising events, silent auction items for fund-raising events, small gift certificates for volunteer recognition and appreciation events, etc.).

For more information on giving, please contact Ken St. Pierre, development associate, at (619) 692-2077 ext. 104 or ken@thecentersd.org.

Happy holidays and many thanks to each of you!