Alumnus Dr. Jonathan Nash spreads holiday cheer with community service
The holiday season is one of the most anticipated times of the year. It’s a time when family and friends link to enjoy good food and togetherness. But for some, holiday cheer could be replaced with worry due to life’s hardships.
This year, an Alcorn State University alumnus and Vicksburg, Mississippi native is serving his community by helping a family to have a memorable Thanksgiving.
Dr. Jonathan Nash ’09, an associate dentist at Nash Family Dentistry in his hometown, is serving his community by providing a family with a Thanksgiving meal. Nash also plans to extend his generosity into the Christmas season to ensure the family has a Christmas to remember.
“My thought for Thanksgiving was simple,” said Nash. “My goal is to take away the burden of purchasing and providing all that it takes to prepare the meal with hopes that the family could focus on each other and enjoy time together.”
This initiative is something that Nash has aspired to do for a while. His inspiration for giving back comes from understanding how stressful the holidays could be for the less fortunate.
“Adopting a family for the holidays has been something I’ve thought about for a few years. Most of us get together with friends and family without a care in the world. But for some, the holidays bring more stress and uncertainty. I understand that some won’t have the same opportunities in life that I had and that my children now experience.”
Humility, for Nash, is one of the most admirable human traits. He’s grateful to his parents, who instilled this trait in him. Now, he’s instilling it into the hearts of his children with his charitable effort.
“Giving back feels good, but it feels much better when it’s done from the heart, with no expectation of anything in return. I’m giving back because I understand the privilege that was provided to me through my parents' hard work and now, through my own hard work. One of the most important qualities in a person is humility, and the holidays allow me to instill in my children a humble heart.”
Vicksburg is a special place to Nash, as it is where his roots lie. This community effort he’s leading is his way of giving back to the city that has given him so much.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community. This community has provided so much for my family and me throughout my life, so I feel it is only right to pour back into my city.
