The holiday season is officially upon us. Amid all of the shopping, sugary snacks and cocktail parties, it’s easy to forget the many non-profits in need of volunteers and financial help. Here are a few ways to give your time or money:
Donate your car to your favorite charity. It may be more valuable to you as a tax write-off than a trade-in, while making an invaluable difference to others. Several local non-profits accept donated vehicles, including Home of the Innocents (596-1025) and the Public Radio Partnership (888-814-2271).
You don’t have to give someone the shirt off your back, but how about one of your coats? Kentucky Refugee Ministries is in need of cold-weather garments. Many of their clients are from warm climates and have never experienced winter. Petite and children’s coats are in high demand. There are many other ways to help ease the culture shock for re-located families. Check KRM’s website, www.kyrm.org, or call 479-9180 for other programs; or just stop by with a coat. The organization’s
The winter season is a crucial time for donations to Dare to Care Food Bank. “We like to give our families a little something special during the holidays,” says Denton Randell, director of community relations for Dare to Care. Food items, especially those with some protein, such as canned meats and hearty soups, top the list of requests. Check your local Kroger for food barrels. Or, for the more daring, volunteer your time to the agency’s Kids Cafe and help serve a hot, nutritious meal to children living in impoverished areas. Visit www.daretocare.org or call 966-3821 for more information.
Make a commitment that goes beyond the holidays and winter season and volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana. Find a reciprocally satisfying relationship and change the life of a youth. Individuals or couples can choose to mentor a child in either school-based or community-based programs requiring as little as four to six hours a month. Visit www.bbbsky.org or call 587-0494 for more details.
Looking for a meaningful present this holiday season that guarantees good karma? Purchase a holiday card for a fri/files/storyimages/or family member that doubles as a donation to Wayside Christian Mission. Choose from a variety of prices and contributions, one week of food for the shelter ($25), for example, or a brick toward the new facility for homeless women and children ($150). Visit www.waysidechristianmission.org or call 742-9487 for more information.
