As an adult, this has stayed with me. I earned my Masters in Education and have spent my life trying to help others around me. But sometimes, this message is forgotten as I rush around accomplishing my To-Do's of being a working mother. So this Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect that I am Beyond Blessed!!! I have an amazing family, great jobs, the opportunity to make a difference in childrens' lives. I am blessed by an amazing network of other mamas that save my life on a daily basis. How lucky am I???
In this spirit of the season of Giving Thanks we donate. While it never feels like it is enough it brings me back to my roots and reminds me why it matters when I give. For a few years, as a child, my mother was not able to provide for us, so she signed us up for a secret Santa at the mall. I remember one year I asked for a coat. The coat I got for Christmas was one of the most beautiful things I ever got as a child, It was white with furry, blue trim and I remember being so excited that I had something "pretty" that fit well. It felt so special to know that someone in my community took the time to help me. I know first hand that there is a true impact on the other side of that donation. So Thank you to all the moms on the boards on Facebook who jump in when anyone needs help! I am always impressed by the depth of giving in our community and I am so proud to live here.
In this vein of giving I want to compile a list of organizations that give to those who need it most. Please feel free to message me more organizations!
TOYS OF HOPE
While Thanksgiving is here, there are many organizations through out the holiday that rely on donations. As you might have heard one of those pantries was broken into. Toys of Hope had packaged 170 baskets that were stolen. Please help replenish their stores at Toys of Hope office at 640 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743. Financial donations may be sent to the Toys of Hope Children’s Charity, P.O. Box 1247, Huntington, NY 11743. For more information on Toys of Hope, visit www.toysofhope.org
TOY DRIVE FOR FRIENDS OF HUNTINGTON STATION
Toy Drive for Friends of Huntington Station- Community members nominate families who can benefit from donations. The Toy Drive collects pertinent information to guide donors. Local Businesses like Marsh's and the Library are drop off points and gifts are later wrapped and delivered by volunteers. In 2013, Friends of HSLQ donated over 800 gifts to more than ninety-four families. Children received toys, books, board games, coats, clothes, and most importantly, love and thoughtfulness from many members of the Huntington community. This event is very special to HSLQ because in a few circumstances, these gifts are the only ones these children will receive for the holidays. If you are a local business and would like to have a box delivered to your location, or you would like to become a donor and sponsor a child or family TODAY, please email us at info@hslq.org. Likewise, if you know a child or family in need, please contact us as soon as possible.
LONG ISLAND FOOD NOT BOMBS
Every Tuesday at 6:30 you can bring Toys, food, and any other donations to East 6th Street and Fairgound Avenue in Huntington. Visit http://www.lifnb.com/ for more information.
HELPING HAND RESCUE MISSION
Helping Hand Rescue Mission provides food, clothes and other household items to the needy. They are located at 225 Broadway, Huntington Station, NY. Visit http://www.hhrm.net/contactus.html for more information.
ISLAND HARVEST
Help contribute to the feed the hungry. Many volunteers needed to coordinate services. Visit http://www.islandharvest.org/get-involved/volunteer/ for more information.
FAMILY SERVICE LEAGUE
Accepts food, toys, coats and has many volunteer opportunities
http://www.fsl-li.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/
Of course check with churches in your area as many have food pantries and other social services.
Should you like to add to this please email me at taniam@macaronikid.com
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
