Giving Back
It’s the time of year for reflection, resolutions, and giving back in any way you can. It's also time for 2020 to reach its (long overdue) end.
Basic needs such as health, shelter, and unemployment have been at the forefront of discussions this year, reminding us that these comforts are not innate privileges.
As individuals and a studio, we are compelled to help our communities affected by the pandemic. You don’t have to be a millionaire — or doctor — to make a difference. Each of us has the power and creativity to give without opening our wallets or risking our health.
MAKE LEMONADE
Without commutes and fortieth birthday parties, we’ve each found a surplus of time on our hands. Although none of us are Bill Gates, we are professionals and artists fortunate enough to have helped our communities this year.
On the Lower East Side, Matthew has volunteered his time — and car — to causes like Off Their Plate and God’s Love We Deliver, both of which deliver freshly made meals throughout New York City to hospital workers on the front lines, and those in need of a wholesome, hot meal.
Jamie has been revisiting her (virtual) teaching desk and helping Pratt Institute students navigate a harrowing debut into the professional landscape. Even though this was her third year reviewing portfolios, it felt even more important to give feedback and insight under the circumstances this graduating class faces. Since we're all working remotely from our laptops, Strong Studio is proud to have donated our office iMacs to families with children learning from home.
Kate continues to care for abused and neglected farm animals in the Seattle area. After the poop pens have been cleaned, she returns to her laptop to help The Barnyard Sanctuary and other rescues boost their social and web presence through design, strategy, and engagement.
In Oregon, Lauren is home for the holidays and baking like crazy — sporting a mask and gloves — so she can safely donate the fruits of her labor to neighbors who are alone this season. She and the studio also continue to design collateral and apparel for causes like the Empire State Ride that raise money for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute.
SMALL BUT WORTHY
Simple steps like shopping and dining locally go a long way towards helping small businesses survive the pandemic. You can also join your local Buy Nothing or Facebook Bulletin for information about food, toy, and clothing drives that will be ramping up over the holiday season.
Strong Studio donates locally whenever possible, including New York City initiatives such as City Harvest and Fresh Air Fund. In the Pacific Northwest, the Red Cross has been helping those displaced by the forest fires in our backyard. The homeless have also been disproportionately affected by both the fires and COVID, which is why organizations such as Union Gospel Mission are a welcome relief.
If you’re feeling presidential — or vegetarian — and looking to pardon a turkey, visit the Farm Sanctuary in Los Angeles to learn more about “adopting” a quirky, spunky little bird.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
What talents and skills have you used to give back? One size never fits all, and our interpretation of giving is as diverse and unique to each of us as it must be to you.
Strong Studio is immensely proud of our team and the creative ways we’ve helped give, grow, and enrich those around us. If you’re looking for a new outlet to give you the warm n’ fuzzies, we recommend resources such as VolunteerMatch or Idealist to point you in a fulfilling direction.
Never underestimate what you have to offer. Whether you’re supporting local businesses, listening to friends, or shoveling poop, every little bit goes a long way. Volunteer with all your heart and soul, and make sure this ‘New Normal’ of giving lasts the whole year round.
After all, we’re in this together.