My first blog post in the 2016: A Year of Service series talked about how we’ve spent 2016 focused on serving our clients and giving them the best possible experience at every turn. In this post, I am going to discuss another very important aspect of service at Blacklidge—how we serve our community and those less fortunate.

Every year, our entire team serves at Feed My Sheep, a soup kitchen in Gulfport that feeds the homeless physically and spiritually. Helping those in need is so humbling, and being able to share that experience with my colleagues at Blacklidge, makes it all the more rewarding.

Giving back at Blacklidge goes well beyond the holidays. We sponsor a child at the Make A Wish Foundation every year and work closely with the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport, which serves children and their families in Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport and other areas of Harrison County, Mississippi. Blacklidge also sponsors the Coaches luncheon for the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).

Bettering the lives of children has always been a passion of ours. And our service extends beyond Blacklidge. Many of us have leadership roles in our churches, act as volunteers at local nonprofits, serve as volunteer coaches and so much more. It is truly part of who we are.

Personally, one of my favorite acts of service is during the Christmas season when my daughters and I take gift baskets to the elderly members of our church. It is such a rich experience. My girls and I will eat with them, talk with them and sometimes pray with them. You learn so much about the lives of others when you have the time to really listen. I’ve found that their stories and wisdom have become part of my daily life and it is always good to be reminded of what is really important in life; Faith, Family, and Friends.

For me the holidays are also a time to step back and truly enjoy the blessings and relationships that we have. It also gives me a chance to take a deep breath and give thanks for the life Jesus gave for us and the celebration and purpose for his birth.

To all of you taking the time to read my post, thanks for being a part of the Blacklidge family in 2016. Here’s to a great 2017!