Brogan: NH Gives - 2020!

Having lived in Concord for over 60 years, I can attest to the fact that the quality of our people is second to none. Whether in a time of crisis or "just because", those in our community are known for their caring nature and kind and generous hearts.

This has never been more true, I have found, than during the ongoing pandemic crisis that has impacted all of us. It has forced us to change our daily lives, to make enormous adjustments - financial and otherwise, and to sequester ourselves from friends and associates. However, it has also given us a richer appreciation of what we have and I've witnessed acts of kindness and compassion, almost daily.

Even behind a mask and while maintaining social distancing, there isn't a time I've been at Market Basket or CVS or elsewhere, in which those I've interacted with have not conveyed the very best of our community.

We have all faced financial hardship during this time and in the midst of this, today starts NH Gives. Beginning Tuesday evening at 6 and continuing for 24 hours, it is, as the website indicates, "24 Hours to celebrate giving across New Hampshire". You can visit that website at: www.nhgives.org to find out the many non-profit organizations that are especially in need of support during this challenging time.

Any amount of donation helps. It does not have to be a large donation but many of these organizations need those dollars if they are to be able to continue to provide services, assistance and help as our lives evolve into some kind of new normal.

In the past decade, I have focused my time and energy on volunteering for a number of those organizations within the Greater Concord area. I felt it important to give back to a community that has always been kind, understanding and supportive to me and my efforts.

Concord TV must rely on dedicated volunteers to create, produce and appear on their programming. They cover everything from City Council meetings to local events and thought provoking programs featuring an array of guests discussing every topic. I've enjoyed hosting a talk show for them and donating the necessary time to prepare and tape the programs.

OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Granite State College, provides classes in every subject imaginable. During the past 8 1/2 years, I've taught more than 40 classes to more than 1,000 enthusiastic members.

Goodlife Programs and Activities on North State Street has burgeoned into everything from exercise classes to trips, fascinating discussions and film presentations. Led by a passionate staff and supported by a team of volunteers, they are a valuable local resource.

Some cities would give anything to have one performing arts venue. Concord has two on Main Street - The Capitol Center for the Arts and The Bank of NH Stage. Because of my history with both venues where, as a child I saw thousands of movies at the theaters, I have watched in awe as they evolved into something remarkable. The pandemic has hit them and other theaters (Hatbox, Community Players, Red River, etc.) especially hard. Because of the passionate commitment of these theaters I have no doubt they'll be back and providing great entertainment, but they too need a boost to make that happen.

I could go on and on naming the entities that are a part of NH Gives but would urge you, instead, to visit the website and find something that matters to you, and give whatever you can comfortably afford.

Concord has shown its true nature during these months, by supporting businesses that are only open for curbside or delivery, and helped to keep them going. Please take just a few minutes during the 24 hours of NH Gives, and lend a helping hand to one of the fine organizations that help to define us. I promise it will leave you feeling better. Thank you.