Happy Thanksgiving, GVL. Sarah + Grace here. Earlier this month, we encouraged y’all to share your stories + photos of how you give back to GVL, as a way to highlight and thank those who show love to our city. And that got us thinking… what are we here at GVLtoday thankful for?

“I’m thankful for another year spent with family + friends, and for the opportunity to be a part of a community like Greenville.” – Sarah

“I’m thankful for all of the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met in the last year. Also, amazing friends, family, and my dog.” – Grace

Whether it be volunteering at a particular organization, assisting those less fortunate in your neighborhood, or even just making sure your trash can lid is securely closed to keep our streets clean – here are a few ways y’all make GVL a better place*:

Reader Taylor G. participating in Habitat Young Professionals | Photo provided

“Being newer to the area, Habitat Young Professionals (HYP) has provided me with the community of peers I have been seeking, while also allowing me to immerse in giving back to the great good of benefiting those who need it in the GVL area as #HomeOwnershipMatters. I love being able to be a part of this change to the area and seeing the impact on those who get to move into the homes, each build you’re a part of the family send a personalized postcard saying thank you.” – Taylor G.

The groundbreaking for Church Street Place | Photo provided by reader Bill K.

“I recently retired, and felt very strongly about using my lifelong skills in marketing to help make a positive change in the world. I work to help people from becoming homeless, by volunteering at United Ministries Emergency Crisis Center. We help people that have received eviction notices, and are one step away from becoming homeless. In addition I am the Marketing Director of "The Church Street Place Project," who is in partnership with United Housing Connections, and Greenville Mental Health to build 36 units of Permanent Supportive Housing for the chronically homeless with severe mental illness. It has added a whole new dimension to my life, and I wake up every morning and wonder, what I can do today to make this world a better place.” – Bill K.

Being just a team of two, we know that a little hard work can go a long way. And in the spirit of giving, on behalf of all our readers, we will be donating Habitat Young Professionals. While it was a difficult choice – as we wish we could give back to all those in need – y’all let us know how much Habitat Young Professionals does for our community.

To add on to Taylor’s great description of what this organization does – HYP essentially brings together young professionals (ages 21-39) to support Habitat for Humanity + its mission of helping low-income families attain housing. In addition to working on home builds, Habitat Young Professionals members participate in education, advocacy + fundraising initiatives. Learn more about how you can get involved with Habitat Young Professionals here.

The LS3P team participating in Hands on Greenville Day | Photo provided

“LS3P is Serving 50 Families in Greenville. Architecture, interiors, and planning firm LS3P’s Greenville office is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019. To mark this significant milestone, the Greenville office staff members are honoring the firm’s long history of community and professional service. The team set a goal of “Serving 50 Families” in the Greenville community; after only a few months of service, the staff has reached many more than 50 families as the impact of the service projects grew. Monthly outreach events have included a food drive for the students of Greenville High School, an Earth Day event at Judson Community Center to teach the students about recycling and upcycling, and the United Way’s HOG Day.” – Cara B.

Ivy Salons presenting a donation to Friends of the Reedy River | Photo provided

“Ivy Salons, Greenville, SC has been giving back to our local community since we opened the doors fifteen years ago. This year, we choose to partner and promote two amazing local organizations that align with our goals of supporting the environment and empowering women through all walks of life. Throughout the year, but especially during this season of gratitude, we are thankful for Friends of the Reedy River and the Janet Danner Ornament Fund.

This year during Earth Month (April), Ivy partnered with Friends of the Reedy River to raise awareness for the organization and collect donations to improve the water quality of our local rivers and streams. We were able to gift FRR with $4,740.00 which helped support the clean-up effort they hosted in September 2019 and we enjoyed bringing awareness to their efforts by featuring them on in our communications this Spring.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) and during the holiday season, we launch our annual tradition of selling holiday ornaments at both salon locations. The ornaments are delicately hand painted by the members of the Janet Danner Ornament Fund, and the proceeds help support the expenses of local women fighting life-threatening illnesses and cancer.

Additionally, at Ivy Salons, we so thankful to be the only salon in the state of South Carolina with certified stylists trained to offer Back to You services.” – Kelly A.

*Quotes have been edited for length.

Thank you again to all the organizations and individuals who give back to our community each and every day. Here’s to us coming together to give a little more thanks this season to those who need it most.