Celebrate Oaktown Style—Shop Local, Give Local, Go Green

The holidays are here—time to purchase gifts, stock the pantry for special meals, and to gather with friends and family. Most of us will spend a bit more money this time of year—and with those purchases, we can make a big impact on our community by shopping locally and donating to local non-profits.

Small changes during the holidays can make a big difference to our community. As a local business owner, here are a few tips I recommend to clients and friends.

1) Select high quality, environmentally friendly products.

2) Buy only what you need.

3) Support locally owned and operated businesses.

4) Set aside some portion of your holiday budget for non-profits.

5) Volunteer with an organization that helps local families.

Ruth Stroup is a local Farmers Insurance agent whose clients include local families, businesses and non-profits. She offers free policies reviews free of insurance jargon or sales pressure.

Ruth Stroup, Farmers Insurance

3560 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610, 510-874-5700

rstroup@farmersagent.com

StroupInsurance.com