Giving Back for Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, I felt a strong pull to do something different—something rooted in love and giving, and in memory of someone I miss deeply: my mom.

It’s been four years since we lost her suddenly to cancer. And this time of year, while beautiful, always carries a heaviness. So this year, I decided to turn that ache into action. I donated supplies to Lend A Hand of Boulder City, an organization that holds a special place in my heart. They were collecting items to drop off at Emergency Aid of Boulder City, and I knew immediately I wanted to be part of it.

I packed up essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, Kleenex, and pet food—simple things that can be a lifeline when you’re going through a hard time.

Lend A Hand helped my family in ways I’ll never forget. When I was away at college, and my mom started having health issues—before we even knew it was cancer—they gave her rides to and from doctor appointments when I couldn’t be there. And later, when the diagnosis came and everything shifted, they provided her with a wheelchair, no questions asked, completely free. That gift was a godsend. It gave her freedom, mobility, and dignity at a time when everything else felt out of our control.

That kind of help stays with you.

So when I saw that Lend A Hand was collecting donations for Emergency Aid, I didn’t hesitate. I also included pet food—because I know what it’s like to feel stretched thin, and how heartbreaking it can be to worry about feeding your animals. Pets offer comfort, joy, and stability when things feel uncertain. They helped me, and I wanted to pay that feeling forward to someone else.

I’ve been in tough financial places before—especially growing up. I know what it’s like to feel embarrassed asking for help or to not know where the next bit of support might come from. Sometimes, just knowing someone thought of you can shift everything.

This little donation wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t expensive. But it was full of heart. And it was for my mom. She was someone who always looked out for others, even when no one was watching. I like to think she’d be proud of this small act in her name.

If you’ve been looking for a way to give back—this is your sign. Lend A Hand of Boulder City and Emergency Aid are both doing incredible work every day for our neighbors. Whether it’s donating supplies, money, or your time—every little bit helps, and it really does matter.

This Mother’s Day, I’m reminded that grief and gratitude can live in the same breath. And I’m learning that one of the best ways to keep someone’s spirit alive is to carry on the kindness they gave so freely.

A bit more about Lend a Hand....

Lend A Hand of Boulder City is one of those quietly powerful organizations that truly makes a difference in people’s day-to-day lives. They support senior residents in Boulder City by providing access to services that can feel out of reach—especially for those living alone or on a fixed income. Their volunteers offer rides to medical appointments, help with errands, companionship visits, and even in-home services like minor repairs or assistance after surgery. It’s the kind of practical, neighborly support that doesn’t always make headlines but absolutely changes lives.

I know this because my family experienced it firsthand.

When I was away at college and my mom started having medical issues—before we even knew it was cancer—Lend A Hand stepped in and gave her rides to her doctor appointments. I couldn’t be there, and knowing someone else was making sure she got the care she needed meant everything. Later, when her diagnosis came and life turned upside down, they provided a wheelchair, free of charge. That simple act gave her mobility, comfort, and dignity during an incredibly difficult time.

Organizations like Lend A Hand fill the gaps that so many people fall through. They remind us that community care is powerful, and that kindness—especially the quiet, behind-the-scenes kind—can have a lasting impact.

Supporting them now, years later, feels like the most full-circle kind of gratitude.