This year, why not make a big impact in someone else's life? There are many ways you or your family can shine a light this season locally, nationally or even globally. Every year, the boys and I help in some facet of our community. By doing so, I hope to instill a lifelong understanding that helping others in not only Godly, but also an important component of human nature. To watch those in need, when at one time, our family has been in their shoes, is something intolerable. To know the kindness of strangers who helped us our first year in California, is a blessing. To reciprocate that, is yet, another blessing.
This year, I've worked with The Toy Place and Ellis Home & Garden of Longview to set up a giving tree for Buckner Family Services' a Buckner Family Christmas program. In doing so, individuals in East Texas can visit either location and pick a tag from our trees, shop at The Toy Place for gifts, and leave them there for wrapping and delivery to Buckner by December 11th. If families would rather make a monetary donation for toys, they can call The Toy Place and they will gladly assist you over the phone. (The Toy Place 112 Johnston St, Longview, TX 75601
I am honored to be a part of this wonderful program and excited two of my favorite stores want to support such a fantastic community driven organization and the families they represent.
In addition, my Junior Master Gardener program will be holding a Fall Can Food Drive to assist one of city's most revered ladies, Mrs. Horaney, with her annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. If you are interested in starting a food drive at your work for the JMG to collect and deliver to the master drive, please let me know and I will provide you with a box and signage. We will collect our food drive items until November 22nd and then deliver to the Thanksgiving Food Drive on November 25th.
If you don't live close by for our food drive, there are still ways to help. You could partner with a food drive in your area by collecting canned goods and non-perishables or you could volunteer your time to help sort and organize all the donations. If you would prefer a more personal way to help, contact your local food kitchen. Those is need would love to see a smiling face!
On a much larger scale, one of my favorite ministries, Samaritan's Purse, has a wonderful opportunity for your children to serve other children through Operation Christmas Child. Help your children bless their peers this year by packing a shoebox filled with goodies they, themselves, love. All child-friendly and toy-filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child are due nationally the week of November 18th - 25th. You can, however, visit your local Lifeway Store and check for their delivery date. The Longview store is accepting shoe boxes on November 16th.
These are just a few ways to help others this season. In December, I will be sharing another frugal way to reach out and lend a helping hand.
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