SHARK BITES – Giving Back This Holiday Season
This is the time of year when it is more prevalent seeing people in need than usual around our communities. There are many organizations that offer assistance to people struggling/in need of a helping hand. Below you will find charitable organizations that help and can always use donations.
Salvation Army/Red Cross: The Salvation Army and Red Cross are called upon to help those in need of shelter, have been displaced, due to fire or are just down on there luck and need a helping hand. You can donate here.
Angel Tree: This is a Christmas tradition for thousands of families. For many families, “adopting” an Angel is a generous way to share the spirit of the season with others in our community who are less fortunate. Retail stores like Wal-Mart have trees set up with tags that have children’s names and wishes for presents on them. Usually toys and clothes are requested the most. These names are also most likely affiliated with some type of Salvation Army program. Buying what is requested is what is needed. However, purchasing additional items geared toward the child’s age is always welcomed. To support an Angel in your town, contact your local Salvation Army by entering your zip code here.
Senior Angel Tree: This is similar to the Angel Tree concept, except it is geared towards senior citizens/the elderly. Check with local retailers, and senior citizen agencies to see if they have a program set up locally.
Toys for Tots: This is an amazing organization that gives toys to children whose families cannot provide for them. Donating toys to put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas morning is one of the most rewarding acts of kindness a person can do. If you’d like to donate a toy for a child this Christmas go here.
Local Shelter Organizations: Become a volunteer for a day, night week, etc. to help those in need. Working as a volunteer can be very rewarding and a humbling experience. Churches and soup kitchens usually open their doors to strangers in need and can always use donations for food like canned goods and bread. Check with your local church or the yellow pages to find an organization or church in need of volunteers.
Social Services: Your local social services agency can direct you to many organizations in your area that are in need of volunteers. The Social Services may even have a can/food drive in their buildings, where you can drop off to aid in helping those in need. Also, there may be a coat drive in effect as well. (Also, check with local television stations about coat drives they may be sponsoring).
Police and Fire Stations: Check with your local police and fire stations to see if they have any community drives for food, clothes, and toys.
United Way: The United Way mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. You can donate in your community or worldwide. To find more information on how to do so go here.
Start Your Own Drive: Take the initiative in your own neighborhood/community. If you know of a family in need, become their “Secret Santa”, or find a way to help aid them during the holidays.
One may never know the pain and struggles others go through. It’s always nice to take time out to get to know people in your community and to become an active member in it. If you can be a lending ear, helping hand or donor to a greater cause, I encourage you to do so.
Sharky wants to know:
- Will you be donating any canned goods to a food drive this year?
- Will you be donating any toys coats or clothing goods to a clothes drive this year?
- Will you be donating any of your time to a shelter program this year?
“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
