The Holidays are a time for giving
By: Madeline Patrick
The holidays are not only a time for getting, but also a time for giving. Give back to your community and volunteer or donate at these places.
- Lunch Packing- On the second and fourth Mondays of every month you can pack lunches for the poor at Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Willowick. If you are interested in helping or want more information, call Terri Eubanks at (440) 943-2133.
- Did you know that 22% of babies are born into poverty? Mothers cannot afford the necessary supplies to take care of their child. You can help by making kits that have diapers, wipes, and clothes for these infants. For more information on what the kits should include, visit http://www.volunteerguide.org/hours/service-projects/baby-supply-kits
- Do you know anyone fighting for our countries overseas? Many of the soldiers do not get to come home for Christmas. Brighten their day by sending letters or cards. For guidelines and more info visit http://www.operationgratitude.com/get-involved/write-letters/
- With the New Year approaching, why not change it up with a new hair style. You can donate a few inches of your hair to one of these organizations. Your hair will be made into a wig for cancer patients or others in hair loss situations. Ask your hair salon if they participate in Locks of Love, Wigs for Kids, or Children with Hair Loss.
- If you love animals then you can be a dog-walker at a nearby animal shelter. For more info visit http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/pets/
- Make a kids day and be an elf. Read letters that children wrote to Santa then buy them the gifts they want. Visit http://beanelf.org/?gclid=CM7uh9Xki8ICFeRDMgoduXkAcw for more detailed instructions. This is similar to what our school’s Volunteers Club is doing with Angel Tree (see below).
- Our school has many opportunities to help as well. We have the Volunteer’s Club. In room 205 you can sign up for most of the following activities.
- -Most teachers in the building are participating in Angel Tree for Salvation Army. Kids in need make a wish list and the teacher and students in the class buy the things the child wants for Christmas.
- -On the 3rd Saturday of each month four members of the club volunteer at the Eastlake food bank. Sign up early if you would like to help because spots go fast.
- -Throughout January and February there will be a food drive in memory of Andy Allan, who was a police officer in Eastlake.
- -On February 8th there will be a dinner at hospice.
- -For more info on any of these activities, please see Ms. Schendel in room 205.