As we head into the full end of year Holiday swing – with buying gifts and planning elaborate meals – I also like to stop and think about giving back to my community.
While it can be super easy to simply write a check (or swipe a card) — some might not be able to afford that – you can give back with your time.
And that’s exactly what my kids and I are going to do this year. Our gift to the community will include volunteering.
I am organizing a day (or two) to work with the Coastal Bend Food Bank. My teenage kids (and some friends) and I will help organize and box up food items to give out to those in need. Our few hours of labor will help dozens in our community. Volunteers are always needed — just check out their volunteer page for more information. Kids can volunteer as early as 8 years old (with a parent).
Another way my family and I give back during Christmas is by sponsoring children with Christmas gifts. This year, I am working with A World for Children, a local agency helping foster children in our area. We are purchasing Christmas gifts off the children’s wish lists. Each of my children are sponsoring their own kid. They will use their own money to help make a child’s holiday a little brighter.
VOLUNTEERING IN THE COASTAL BEND
There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Coastal Bend. One of the easiest ways to get started is to check out the Volunteer Connection website for Coastal Bend. Here you can register to be a volunteer and you’ll be notified when something is coming up. It’s also where you can get information about the annual HEB Fast of Sharing.
If you (and your family) have something you are passionate about – just reach out to that local organization. Non-profit organizations are always looking for volunteers to help make their mission a reality.
Probably one of the easiest ways to give back is by simply collecting trash along our beaches. Just grab your family, a few trash bags (maybe some gloves), a nice spot along the beach and start grabbing trash. No age requirements and restrictions, just a good samaritan(s) making our beaches more beautiful.
