Special Issues

A tradition I began last year for my 11-year-old twin grandsons, Collin and William, was “spend, save, share.” My Christmas gift to them is money with the direction to spend some on themselves, save some and, finally, share with something they choose.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a confusing and overwhelming time for many women. Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana provides free, confidential counseling to assist expectant mothers in understanding pregnancy options and making the best choice for their baby.

For 95 years, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) has trained women leaders to understand the community’s needs, envision ways to better others’ lives and bring forth change.

Stumped on what to give friends and loved ones this year? Consider gifting them an experience they’ll always remember.

Each January and February, Hostelling International USA (HI USA) offers groups free overnight accommodations across 30+ hostels in exchange for volunteer work in the surrounding community. Participating locations include NYC, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and more.

Christmas shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. Get creative by shopping at one of New Orleans’ many thrift stores. Bridge House/Grace House has two locations to find just what you’re looking for at bargain prices. Here are my favorite finds from my recent shopping trip. Plus, they’re 50% off!

Multicolored lights or white lights? In NOLA, you don’t have to choose.

We Gambel Girls love the holidays because we get to shop (for each other) at our favorite local stores. Here are our picks for the 2018 holidays:

Canal Place launched its Style Board initiative this year to mentor college-age students interested in fashion – giving them a place to interact with local fashion influencers and engage with the iconic mall while expanding their breadth of knowledge on fashion design, styling and marketing.

Did you know that giving back is not only good for the community, but also good for your personal health? According to Forbes, giving back is one of the most therapeutic things you can do as an individual. Science has proven that people who have a purpose outside of themselves benefit both mentally and physically.

The holiday season’s here, and there are tons of apps for your smartphone to get you in the holiday spirit. From shopping to travel to fun, here are some of my favorite apps this season: 

With the holiday season in full swing, gift giving is at the forefront of every New Orleanian’s mind. This year at Gambel Communications, we’re going local. The one requirement of our Secret Santa swap (besides the $20 limit) is that all gifts must be purchased from local vendors.

One tradition that has continued in my family throughout the years is sending out holiday cards. A great way to send a little cheer, mailing cards to family and friends each Christmas has also acted as a reminder to my family to take more photos together. If you need some inspiration for where to take your holiday photos this year, consider these Crescent City gems:

Other than maybe Mr. Bingle, there are few holiday activities more uniquely New Orleans than Reveillon dinners. Begun as a meal after Catholic midnight Mass, these dinners have become a staple of New Orleans restaurants throughout the month of December and serve as the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

Getting thrifty at Christmastime is getting more popular every year. Trying to gift generously on a budget? Use these simple tips to spread cheer.

Isidore Newman School recently received the largest gift in its history, $3 million from Drs. Rupa and Tarun Jolly, parents of four Newman students. A health care entrepreneur and former teacher, TJ is a first-generation New Orleanian, son of immigrants and alumnus of public schools.

The Jefferson Council on Aging (JCOA) is the premier front-line resource, meeting the needs of Jefferson Parish’s senior population. As advocates for the elderly, JCOA’s services and programs provide a vital safety net.

In the 13 years since Hurricane Katrina, Youth Rebuilding New Orleans (YRNO) has grown from a committed group of high schoolers seeking to rebuild NOLA into an established job training organization offering a premier volunteer opportunity for youths and adults around the world.

Christmas in November? It’s never too early to make someone smile this Christmas. Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana serves more than 1,500 vulnerable people in southeast Louisiana who would not receive a gift this holiday season without your generosity.

A team of veteran volunteers with The Mission Continues lead change in New Orleans. The Mission Continues is a national nonprofit that empowers veterans to find growth, purpose and connection through community impact.

Nola4Women’s Summit on Women and Girls shines a spotlight on women and children and their need for equal access to health, education and personal and economic security.

Crimestoppers GNO’s emphasis on youth safety continues to expand with the launch of the Safe School app. A free resource for schools, students can report tips anonymously to Crimestoppers, and Crimestoppers will pass them on for further investigation.

Faith-based, legacy of service, healing … this mission has made Baptist Community Ministries a foundational cornerstone within greater New Orleans.

Did you know Children’s Hospital New Orleans is the only full-service hospital exclusively for children in Louisiana? The doctors, nurses and everyone in between work tirelessly to heal their patients and improve their lives.

Giving back is an essential part of Gambel Communications’ code of culture. The #GambelGirls bring a cornucopia of traditions to the (Thanksgiving) table when it comes to showing gratitude around the holiday season.

Kick off the charitable season on #GivingTuesday, Nov. 27, with #iGiveCatholic – a community-wide online giving event that inspires the Catholic community to unite and give back to the organizations that shape our souls: Parishes, schools and nonprofit ministries.

Everyone wins with a good cause marketing program. Nonprofits receive needed resources. Corporations benefit from exposure and alignment with a charitable cause that engages their stakeholders.

Plan on giving back this holiday season? There’s an app for that:

Gambel Communications participated in Gulf Coast Bank’s 11th annual Auctions in August, a silent auction open to bank employees, customers and the general public.

Did you that know more than 2,000 Louisianians are waiting for an organ donation? And did you know that one donor can save up to nine lives?