E19 - Hope for the Holidays: Small Acts, Real Impact (with United Way’s Michael Smith)

As we head into the holidays, it’s easy to feel weighed down by headlines, higher costs of living, and the sense that our communities are more disconnected than ever. In this episode, Gavin sits down with Michael Smith, CEO of the Greater Valdosta United Way and newly elected Lowndes County Commissioner, to talk about why our neighbors need us now more than ever—and how even small acts of generosity can change a life.Michael shares his journey from private business to leading a regional United Way, the reality behind working families living with little margin, and how tools like the ALICE report and the 988 mental health line reveal what people are really facing. They dig into the decline in volunteering after COVID, the unique pressures on South Georgia families, and why loving where you live means getting involved, not waiting on “someone else” to fix it.If you’ve ever wondered, “Does my $10 a month, a few hours of volunteering, or serving on a local board really matter?”—this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with practical ways to give, serve with your family, support your local church and nonprofits, and bring real hope to your community this holiday season and beyond.