Lessons in Compassion from Hurricane Beryl

The holidays have a way of bringing people together, don’t they? Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas — this is the time when we gather, reflect, and show gratitude for the good in our lives. But what really makes this season special isn’t the food or the gifts; it’s the way people show up for each other when it matters most.

This past summer, Hurricane Beryl devastated parts of the Caribbean, leaving families homeless and communities in pieces. But what stuck with me wasn’t just the destruction — it was the outpouring of love and support. People from all over stepped up to help, and that same energy is exactly what the holiday season is about.

Take Verna Arthur, president of SVG Relief USA Inc. After the storm hit, she led efforts to send much-needed supplies like diapers, mattresses, and toiletries back to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. For her, this wasn’t just about donations — it was personal. “We’ve faced volcanoes, dengue fever, even COVID,” she said, “but this storm was devastating in ways we couldn’t imagine. We had to act.”

Or Cecil Belfon from the Grenada Hurricane Relief Committee. His team carefully sorted through barrels of clothing and supplies, making sure everything sent was in good condition. “It’s about humanity,” he said. “It’s about reminding people they’re cared for.”

Now that the holidays are here, their stories feel even more powerful. The season of giving isn’t just about writing a check or buying gifts. It’s about connection. It’s about taking the time to ask, How can I help?

And it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Maybe it’s donating a coat to someone who needs it or dropping off groceries at your local food pantry. Maybe it’s surprising a neighbor with baked goods or simply checking in with someone who has been on your mind. The point is, no act of kindness is too small.

This time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in shopping lists and holiday plans, but the real magic happens when we focus on others. Just like the relief efforts after Hurricane Beryl, the holidays remind us of our shared humanity.

So as you light your menorah, carve the turkey, or hang your ornaments, think about how you can spread a little extra kindness. Because at the end of the day, the greatest gift we can give is the one that connects us all: love.

What’s your favorite way to give back during the holidays? Let’s share ideas and keep the spirit of giving alive.