December 2, 2022 By: Tori Tijan
If you’re wondering how you can help others and give back to the community this holiday season, this article is for you! It is easy to get caught up in hectic holiday planning, travel, etc. This year, consider thinking of ways to give back to those who may be less fortunate. Volunteering, sharing your time, gifting donations to others, are all ways to spread the holiday cheer, connect with your community, and work together with others for a good cause. The holidays are a time to give thanks for what you have and there is no better way than giving back and supporting those around you.
There are numerous opportunities and ways to give either food/clothes donations, money, or time. During this season of giving, even the smallest amount of support can make a huge impact on the lives of others.
Common ways to show support to your community and how to get involved:
1. Donations
2. Food Pantries/Drives
3. Organizations
4. Volunteer Work
5. Events
Donations
Donations are a great way to give back – and are not limited to canned goods. Think about donating old clothing, winterwear, blankets, socks, etc. this winter to a local thrift store, women’s shelter, homeless shelter, church, or other organizations. Some of these locations in Livingston County include The Salvation Army, LACASA, Love INC Resale Store of Livingston County, Foster Closet of Michigan, among others.
Dec. 2-4, First United Methodist Church in Brighton, MI is accepting the following donations; gently used coats for adults and children, men’s thermal underwear and backpacks, and hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves for all ages.
On most organization’s websites, you may be able to see what items they are currently in need of or accepting at the time.
Adopt A Family Opportunities:
Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/livingstoncounty/christmas-assistance-sign-ups/
St. Patrick Catholic Parish Adopt A Family: https://www.stpatrickcatholicparish.org/adoptafamily
Volunteer’s of America Michigan Adopt A Family Program: https://aaf.voami.org/
VETLIFE Adopt a Veteran Family Program: https://www.vetlifetoday.org/holidayprogram
The Livingston DHHS is pleased to announce their 6th Annual Livingston County DHHS Angel Tree Event. 🎄 If you are interested in adopting a child(ren) please contact Lacey Hinton at (517)-715-9775 or at hintonl@michigan.gov to receive an electronic “wish list”. We’re asking for all donations to be dropped off at the office between December 5th- 9th and if you’re unable to drop off, pick up can be coordinated.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
Food Pantries/Drives
Local food drives and food banks are another way to help others, whether you are donating food or your time as a volunteer, you will be making a difference in the lives of others.
Gleaners is always accepting volunteers and holiday food donations at its Howell, MI location as well as throughout SE Michigan.
Bountiful Harvest is a non-profit food pantry run by volunteers and is accepting donations as well as seeking volunteers.
Senior Nutrition/Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound seniors and is accepting volunteers for a variety of help from food packing and drivers to office assistance.
Click HERE for more Grocery Programs and Pantries!
Organizations and Volunteer Opportunities
Spread the love during the holidays this year and spend some of your time serving others in need.
Take some time to review local organizations and nonprofits that are dedicated to helping others and find ways to get involved in events or show support. Here is a list of some great organizations to research and support through donations, as well as volunteer opportunities:
- Livingston County Hunger Council – Donate Food, Money, or Time
- Bountiful Harvest – Accepting Donations, Volunteer Sign Up on Website
- Gleaners Community Food Bank – Volunteer Opportunities, Food Drives, Accepting Donations
- VINA Dental Community Center – Accepting Donations, Volunteers (Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Receptionists, Events/Fundraising), Sponsorships
- The Salvation Army – Volunteers Needed (Red Kettle Bell Ringers, Toy Shop Set Up, Emergency Disaster Services), Donations Needed (Clothes, bedding, toys, supplies, etc.)
- Livingston County United Way – Accepting Donations, Volunteers, Sponsorships
- Livingston County Catholic Charities – Volunteers Needed, Accepting Donations
- Livingston County Habitat for Humanity – Accepting Donations, Volunteers Needed
- Meals on Wheels – Volunteers Needed (Food Packing, Drivers, Office Assistance, Event Help)
- Livingston Love INC – Volunteers Needed, Donations
- Toys for Tots – Toy Donations at sites, Other Donations/CrowdFunding, Volunteer Opportunities
- VETLIFE – Accepting Donations, Adopt a Veteran Family Program Donations Needed
- Veteran’s Connected – Donations Accepted, Volunteers Needed
More volunteer opportunities can be found at Volunteer Livingston (https://www.volunteerlivingston.org/)
Events
Here is a list of some upcoming events:
Suburban Collection Drive Away Hunger Fundraiser October 1, 2022 – January 2, 2023: One of the most critical problems facing Southeast Michigan is food insecurity. Our team members are joining forces across dealerships and distance with one goal in mind: to DRIVE AWAY HUNGER!
https://www.gcfb.org/event/suburban-collection-drive-away-hunger-fundraiser/
OLHSA Virtual Trivia Night 2022 – Dec. 2nd 7pm: Join OLHSA virtually for a fun-filled evening of comedy and trivia. 100% of OLHSA’s Virtual Trivia Night proceeds directly benefit emergency services provided by OLHSA.
https://www.olhsa.org/en-us/events/virtual-trivia-night-fundraiser
Santa Paws – Dec. 3 & 4 10am-2pm: Bountiful Harvest is partnering with Bordine’s of Brighton for the annual Santa Paws event. 🎅 Bring the family, the dog or both for this fundraising photo session. $20 donation for photos that will be emailed to you in plenty of time to send out for the holidays.
https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/event/santa-paws/
Christmas Toy Drive at Lingenfelter Collection – Dec. 3 12pm-3pm: The Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton — will be opening its doors to the public from noon-3 p.m. Dec. 3 to raise awareness and funds for Livingston County Toys for Tots. Santa will be available for pictures at 12pm.
https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/dbusiness-daily-update-lingenfelter-collection-in-brighton-opens-dec-3-to-benefit-toys-for-tots-and-more/
Matching Money Monday – Dec. 5: Donations to The Livingston County United Way made on Monday will be matched! All proceeds raised through this event help local working families with food, shelter, and utilities.
https://lcunitedway.org/matching-money-monday-is-dec-6/
Charity Euchre to Benefit Friends-Brighton Library – Dec. 13: The Brighton Optimist Club is doing this to support local charities. In addition to 40% of the entry fees, we will donate our half of the 50/50 drawing to the charity. Eternity Brewing will donate $1 for every beer sold that night to them, too. Limit of 40 players.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charity-euchre-to-benefit-friends-brighton-library-tickets-446169333487
Adopt A Soldier Christmas Party – Dec. 17 3-6pm: Join Veteran’s Connected in celebrating during the Adopt A Soldier Christmas Party at the American Spirit Center.
https://www.veteransconnected.org/events-database/adopt-a-soldier-christmas-party
Visit https://www.whmi.com/ for more community events.
If you would like to show support to VINA and our patients, you can donate HERE!
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