Each of these organizations are responsible for something incredible; something that most of us don't put a lot of thought into each day. These organizations are responsible for helping people (and animals) in local communities survive. Each organization has touched my heart in a special way, and I hope that you will take the time to give back to them, or other local community organizations this holiday season and beyond.
I would like to take a moment and explain why each of these organizations is important to me, and everyone in my community.
Operation Christmas Child is something that I have been a part of for a long time. Organized by Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child provides children in need with essential items and Christmas gifts that they may not otherwise ever receive. Whether it is toothbrushes or a deck of cards, people fill shoe boxes with non-perishable items that children would enjoy and Samaritan's Purse helps deliver them across the world. It's a truly special organization that is about so much more than gifts.
Humane Society of Catawba County is truly an incredible place. With just one look, you can tell that this is not your average animal shelter. A no-kill facility, animals are loved and cared for as if they were their own personal pets. I have brought two dogs into my life from the Humane Society of Catawba County (Chase and Cooper), and my dog Tucker comes from a no-kill shelter in Georgia. Volunteering at organizations such as this make you realize what a true blessing our pets are to us. Don't shop, adopt.
The Children's Protection Council has been thrown into the spotlight recently in Catawba County with the heart-wrenching murder of young Zahra Baker, but the Council has been around long before that. Started in 1975, the Children's Protection Council is a volunteer organization that is "dedicated to providing leadership, support, and coordination for the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Catawba County." I urge all organizations, schools, clubs, and churches to train their members in "Darkness to Light," an incredible program that aims to "raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about the steps they can take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse."
ALFA is an organization that provides help and support to those infected or affected by AIDS. "ALFA currently provides supportive and medical case management, prevention education, and outreach to Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Watauga, and Wilkes counties. ALFA is able to continue providing quality services to communities of need through generous funding from entities such as the United Way, Ryan White CARE Act, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS."
With Super Storm Sandy recently in our memories, there is no better time than to begin supporting the American Red Cross. I began donating blood in high school, and even though I hate needles, I always walk away feeling fulfilled. Not only does the American Red Cross conduct blood drives, they are also trained in disaster relief and CPR training certification. Every day, volunteers risk their lives to help those affected by disasters and those suffering from accidents, illnesses, or infections. There are so many ways to become involved with the Red Cross, that I hope everyone will take a few minutes and explore all of the incredible things that they do for us.
When I was in college, I did a major report on the Women's Resource Center, an organization dedicated to helping women succeed in Catawba County. Whether through their Women2Work program that helps women re-entering the workforce be prepared for interviews and jobs, their life transition planning, their counseling services, or their pantry of personal and cleaning supplies, the Women's Resource Center is unlike anything I have seen before. Please check out their website. Even though you may not need their services now, someday you may, and until then, there are women all around you who rely on the donations and volunteer hours of the wonderful team at the WRC.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Hickory Soup Kitchen. Opened by a group from community churches, the Hickory Soup Kitchen is a absolute blessing to our community. Without it, hundreds upon hundreds of people wouldn't see a hot meal every week. Local grocery stores, beverage production companies, churches, scout groups, and volunteer organizations also contribute to the donations requested by the Soup Kitchen. Each year, over 1200 volunteer hours are donated to helping the Hickory Soup Kitchen fulfill it's promise of keeping our community fed.
I hope that you will each consider the ways that you give back to your local community, and strive each day, week, month, and year to do more than you did the last. Without all of you, none of this would be possible.
This post inspired me, as I love to dedicate myself and my time to causes. It's great to meet other selfless people in the world. Just another reason that I'm glad I found your blog :)
ReplyDeleteAw thanks so much! I always love new readers, especially when they comment! This blog was really something important to me, so I'm glad that I got a chance to talk about what I love.
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