Time to Give Back

“If service is the rent you pay for your existence on this earth, are you behind in your rent?” –Robert G Allen

You hear a lot about giving back and helping others around the holiday season. Even this article is an example. However, giving back shouldn’t have a ‘season’ or ‘time.’ There are people in our community who are hungry, homeless, struggling to make ends meet, unable to provide clothing and shoes for their children, victims of abuse, and the list goes on, every day of the year. I hope that if you do decide to buy toys for needy children, or donate food to a food bank, or buy a coat for a child, that maybe it will become a habit and continue all year.

The colder season is here and with that comes those that do not have proper attire to face the frigid and bleak weather. There are some opportunities to donate your gently used coats to those in need. News 10 hosts a Coats for Kids drive every year at the Cal Expo in Sacramento. Burlington Coat Factory in Reno takes coats in as well.  In addition, Goodwill and the Salvation Army are always accepting donations of various clothing items. For those that do not have the means to have a warm meal, there are food banks that you can donate food items to. To find a food bank closest to you, you can go to feedingamerica.org. Donating food items aren’t the only way you can help, food banks are always looking for volunteers.

To brighten up a child’s holiday, there are numerousdonation drop-offs. Wal-Mart and Toys R Us are both places you can buy a toy for a child and drop it in the bin as you leave. To find a Toys for Tots location in your neighborhood, you can go to toysfortots.org. I hope this holiday season will be a bright one for you and your family. These are just a few examples of how you can help those in your community. If you do have the extra items, funds, or time to donate, I hope you feel the gratification that you helped someone and I know whatever you donate, will be appreciated.