by Angela Meekins, West Tennessee Regional Manager, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
A Day of Merrymaking in Madison County!
The holidays have always been a season for connection, joy, and celebration, and my recent trip to Jackson, Tennessee, delivered all of that and more! Braving the chilly December air, I made the hour-and-a-half drive up to Madison County from Shelby County to spend the day with local nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders who made me feel like a part of their close-knit family. This was also an exciting opportunity in my new role to become familiar with the local nonprofit community there. From warm welcomes to festive gatherings, it was a day of merrymaking I won’t soon forget.
A Festive Welcome at the CFWT Christmas Open House
My first stop was the Christmas Open House at the Community Foundation of West Tennessee. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the festive atmosphere and the kindness of the staff – Frank, Beth, Haley, Haylee, and Kaycee – who rolled out the red (and green!) carpet to welcome everyone.
As a token of holiday cheer, I brought along my favorite treats, Little Debbie Christmas Tree cakes, which fit perfectly into the joyful spirit of the event. The gathering was buzzing with energy as I met nonprofits making a big impact in the community, including RIFA, Star Center, and the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson. I also had the chance to chat briefly with Mayor Scott Conger, who joined in the festivities. The warmth and camaraderie in the room were unmistakable – a true reflection of the tightly woven nonprofit network in West Tennessee.
And let me tell you, the hot cocoa bar was a standout feature! It was heartwarming to witness people coming together to celebrate not just the holidays but the collective work they do to strengthen their community.
Celebrating the Holidays with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce
As the sun set and the holiday lights twinkled, I made my way to the Holiday Edition of “Business After Dark”, hosted by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and TLM Associates. This popular networking event was a vibrant mix of nonprofits and local businesses coming together to celebrate the season and their shared commitment to their city. Kristy, Cameron, and their fellow Chamber staff and ambassadors created a vibrant networking event attended by local businesses and nonprofits coming together to celebrate the season and their shared commitment to the local community.
During this event, I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful teams from Habitat for Humanity of Jackson, United Way of West Tennessee and the local chapter of the Rotary Club, whose dedication to service was inspiring. What struck me most about the event was how seamlessly the business community and nonprofits interacted. It was as if they were old friends, gathered not just to network but to celebrate their shared mission of giving back to the community.
The evening was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and the unmistakable warmth of a community that truly supports one another. One highlight of the evening was speaking with a local small business eager to engage more in volunteerism with local nonprofits. They asked me to help make a connection, and of course, I was thrilled to assist! I made sure they connected with several nonprofits that evening, to find meaningful service opportunities. Seeing the partnerships and friendships between these organizations and businesses reinforced the special spirit of Madison County—one rooted in collaboration and care.
A Heartwarming Takeaway
My day in Madison County was a joyful reminder of the magic that happens when people come together with shared purpose and holiday cheer. The nonprofit, municipal, and business communities in Jackson embody what it means to work hand in hand for the greater good. From the nonprofits sharing their impactful missions at the CFWT Open House to the local businesses seeking opportunities to collaborate at the Chamber event, the spirit of teamwork and mutual support was evident everywhere. These connections made me feel incredibly welcomed and inspired.
As the holiday season continues, I carry with me the memories of this special day of merrymaking and the inspiration to make even more connections in the new year!