Why It’s Important for Local Companies to Be Involved in Their Communities

There are about 28 million small businesses in the U.S.A., and many of their owners realize that giving back to their local communities is a winning idea. According to SCORE, a business mentoring organization, small businesses donate 250 percent more than larger businesses to local non-profits and community causes, and 75 percent of them donate an average of 6 percent of their profits to such causes each year.

Small businesses have many different ways of supporting their local communities. According to SCORE,

66 percent gave to local charities
48 percent supported youth organizations
42 percent supported first responders
39 percent supported local religious organizations
32 percent donated food or had staff volunteer in soup kitchens

It’s important for local companies to be involved in their communities because community involvement builds brand awareness and supports the very people who are their customers.

Maidenbaum takes great pride in supporting our local communities here in Nassau County. Here are some of the great local organizations we’re glad to lend our support to:

The Community Chest of South Shore

This worthy, 85-year old charitable organization supports local service agencies who aid and help community members in the South Shore area of Long Island. Among the organization’s notable programs and events are an annual 5K run (to be held this coming September 1st at the Sunny Atlantic Beach Club in Atlantic Beach), and an ongoing “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program providing support for those in Nassau County who are struggling to meet life’s basic needs.

CAHAL (Communities Acting to Heighten Awareness and Learning)

CAHAL, based in Cedarhurst, is a non-profit organization providing a program of self-contained classes for children with various learning challenges from Kindergarten through High School. CAHAL’s classes are held in 12 yeshivas located in the 5 Towns, Far Rockaway, West Hempstead, Queens and greater Nassau County. Beginning its 27th year of service, CAHAL has become a nationally acclaimed program, winning the admiration of educators throughout the United States.

Madraigos

Madraigos is a non-profit organization based in Woodmere, NY that was founded in 2003 by Rabbi Dov Silver. Today it provides a wide array of innovative services and programs geared toward helping teens and young adults overcome life’s everyday challenges. Madraigos’ activities include “The Lounge,” an afterschool recreation center, parenting support groups and workshops, and fun activities such as Superbowl parties, hiking trips, Sukkot and Channukah parties, and other special events.

FIDV (Friends of Israeli Disabled Veterans) 5K Run/Walk

FIDV’s annual 5K Run/Walk raises funds for Beit Halochem, an organization formed in 1949 to help the 6,000 veterans, and their families, injured in Israel’s War of Independence. Today, Beit Halochem supports more than 50,000 disabled heroes wounded during their active or reserve service or through acts of terror. Even if you missed this year’s 10th Annual 5K event (which was held on May 19th in North Woodmere Park), you can donate directly to the organization via its website.

UJA Federation New York Race Against Poverty

Formed in 1986 from the merger of the United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York and the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York, UJA Federation New York distributes funds to hundreds of worthy nonprofits in New York, in Israel, and around the world.  Its annual Aqua/Run Race Against Poverty takes place at TOBAY Beach in Massapequa.  This year’s race will take place on September 15, 2019.

Kulanu Center for Special Services

Kulanu, meaning “All of Us”, is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 and based in Cedarhurst, NY.  Its mission is to enable children and young adults with special needs to reach his or her full potential.  Kulanu Academy provides year round services and programs to students ages 11 through 21 to accomplish its mission.  The Academy’s vocational program, offers students a hands on experience in the community through vocational internships at over 100 businesses.

Other Good Causes We’re Happy to Support

Although the following organizations don’t have bases in Nassau County, they do great work and we’re proud to support them:

The American Cancer Society. Founded in 1913, the American Cancer Society is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer.

Sharsheret. Founded in November 2001, four months after its founder, Rochelle Shoretz, a 28- year old mother, was diagnosed with breast cancer, Sharsheret is a non-profit organization that supports women and their families facing breast cancer.

The American Lung Association. Devoted to improving lung health, the American Lung Association funds research, advocates for clean air, and provides resources for lung disease patients and their caregivers.

Make-A-Wish America. This charitable organization works to make the dreams of critically ill children come true. Since its formation in 1980, Make-A-Wish has fulfilled the wishes of some 300,000 children in the U.S.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude’s, based in Memphis, Tennessee, focuses on understanding and treating serious childhood diseases, including leukemia and cancer. A non-profit that will not turn away patients regardless of their ability to pay, research findings pioneered at St. Jude’s have improved survivability rates for several serious childhood cancers.

The American Red Cross. Formed in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and preparedness education, and a wide range of training and certification programs in the U.S.

United Way. United Way is a network of more than 1,500 charitable organizations whose focus is improving education, financial stability, and health around the world.