I’ve lived in Austin for 21 years. Over those years I have seen the city grow dramatically. The downtown skyline is filled with buildings that did not exist a decade ago, freeways now run in places where there were two lane roads, celebrities live and work in a city few had heard of when I moved here. Despite all this change one thing has remained the same throughout the years and that is the spirit of Austin.

As the sound of live music still fills downtown nightly, local businesses still thrive and are celebrated. Concerts, festivals and other events are held almost weekly not just in the name of fun, but to support worthy charities like CASA. In short, Austinites genuinely care about each other and making a difference. Our local charity, CASA, embodies the same spirit of Austin and Yodle. Just as Yodle gives small business owners a “voice” on the Internet that they may not be able to have on their own, CASA gives children who have been abused or neglected a voice in the court system that they would not have on their own.

It’s hard to imagine doing anything more important than helping children who are in need and unable to help themselves. I feel lucky to be a part of a city, company and charity that still makes it a priority to look out for others.

You can read more about Yodle's Annual Holiday Giving Campaign and ongoing community efforts around the U.S. on Yodle.org.