Have a Giving Heart
With Halloween just around the corner, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s aren’t so far behind either. It’s really fun to receive gifts because it makes everyone feel loved, happy, and that they belong. So, keeping that in mind, you shouldn’t only be on the receiving end. It’s important to give back not only to those who’ve given to us, but also to those who don’t have anyone to receive anything from. If you’re worried about the cost of things, that’s okay! Giving back doesn’t always have to involve materialistic things. They say that time is worth more than money or any materialistic gift. A great way to give your time to give back to the community is by volunteering. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t have the luxury to sit by the fireplace or near the Christmas Tree to open gifts, nor do they have the ability to have a feast with their family. They may not even have good memories of the holidays. This is where you come in.
Thanksgiving in the Park
Thanksgiving in the Park is something that Greg Sims, the Shelter Manager at Family Crisis Center of East Texas, holds every year on Thanksgiving from 11am-3pm at Kiwanis Park, Lufkin. This has been a tradition for 7 years already. He truly has a wonderful passion to help those in need. The mission behind Thanksgiving in the Park is to give a sense of fellowship and belonging to those who don’t have that, and to feed the hungry. But really, it’s open to anyone who needs it. No one should be alone and without food for the holidays, so help make that a reality!
Sign up for volunteers are still open! Contact Greg Sims at (936) 229-0273 to ask about volunteering and anything else you may be curious about!
Center of Hope Polk County
The Center of Hope in Polk County is a Christian-based organization that empowers people of all faiths in need to break the vicious cycle of poverty, hunger, and hopelessness through prayer, education, and assistance. Their mission is to provide emergency food and other necessities to the needy of Polk County. They have a food pantry, they take part in disaster relief, they give support to those suffering from cancer, and they do so much more. Reach out and make a difference by volunteering with them!
Feed My Starving Children
The holidays, namely Thanksgiving, are almost here. What better way to celebrate than by giving back to the community and the world? Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a worldwide organization that fights hunger. It feeds people in need around the world, including victims of poverty, war, and natural disasters. FMSC has reservation-only volunteer opportunities. You can pack meals by yourself or with friends at a permanent packing site or at a MobilePack event that pops up around the country. When you volunteer, you’ll be helping to feed starving children in your own community and around the world. You’ll also be making a difference in the lives of those who are in need.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international charitable organization that supports a wide range of causes. They provide job training and aid for veterans, domestic abuse survivors, trafficking victims, and the homeless. They also provide services for the poor. During the holidays, they’re very active in giving back. Look for the person ringing the red bell! Volunteer opportunities are available in most locations. Contact your local Salvation Army to find out if they have any volunteer opportunities for the coming holidays.
Families First
Families First is a charitable organization that sponsors families in need during the holidays. Volunteers can sign up to sponsor a family and then purchase items from their holiday wish list. Sign-ups have not yet begun for the 2024 holiday season, but family information is expected to become available during the first week of November. If you don’t manage to assign yourself to a family in time, there are plenty of other resources and opportunities available on the site, including year-round volunteer jobs and information on organizing toy drives in your own community.
Go Out and Make a Difference!
By volunteering at various places like these or some other places, you’re putting your time, effort, and care into the people that you help. By showing others that you care, you make a difference in their day. Even a simple compliment or smile to someone could lift their spirit. It may not always be obvious, but it still matters. While it’s also plenty great to give money or gifts, it means even more to give your time.
