A Gift that Keeps on Giving
by Nimh Willow
Winter is upon us, and though from outside everything looks calm and still, there is a buzzing, building energy that comes every year during the holidays. As soon as we’ve picked the last of the turkey bare and gobbled up our Thanksgiving leftovers, the Winter holidays commence. Eager for the return of color and the excitement the holidays bring, people flock to the streets for shopping and preparations. As such, this time of year is so critical to small businesses like the Belfast Community Co-op. As people prepare to decorate, hold feasts, and exchange gifts, small businesses set to work to provide the best for their customers.
In a world where everything is “one click away,” and businesses and services continue to be consolidated by huge companies and big box stores, it is so very important that we turn our attention towards the small businesses, local farms, and artisanal crafters during the most economically viable time of year. These small businesses are the backbone of our local towns and cities. Supporting them recirculates the wealth in our small economies, which bolsters our communities. In this way, your patronage is the “Gift that Keeps on Giving.”
In addition to this, many local businesses during the holidays go the extra mile, and do something nice to help those in need. One example is the Belfast Community Co-op’s Holiday Giving Tree, in partnership with Waldo County Action Partners.
Every town has a bakery, which works hard to craft delicious and awe-inspiring desserts and treats for the holiday table. Local farmers bring out their reserves of cheeses, fresh nutritious produce, and fine cuts of meat. Small crafters create decorations, ornaments, wreaths, and swags to liven up your home. Artisans hand make fine gifts and toys that are sure to bring smiles to the recipient. The little specialty shops that line the downtown’s sidewalks all offer a new selection of gift-worthy goods, and of course offer gift cards as well. These are your neighbors- real people all around you working hard to make the holidays special. Supporting their creativity and hard work makes our communities vibrant! Consider doing your holiday shopping locally this year!
Supporting local businesses is the Gift that Keeps on Giving. Happy Holidays!
If you’d like to support your local co-op, consider becoming an owner!
During this busy time of the year, let us help with your shopping! Visit our website here to shop online. Don’t forget owners can also pre-order large quantities of regularly stocked items at a discounted price to prepare for all of the wonderful holiday baking and entertaining! Save time and extra trips to the store! Email info@belfast.coop for more info.
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op; it is our mission and our pleasure to bring locally-sourced, reasonably priced, organic and natural products to all.
Owned by you. Food for all.