It’s the holiday season and, though I love warmer weather, it’s my favorite because it’s the season of giving! Some easy ways to give are with these charities close to my heart:
Shop for beautiful handmade jewelry, cards, & more at http://www.shopsanctuary.org/. All items are made by human trafficing survivors and your purchase helps them make a living so they don’t end up back in slavery. Go to http://www.isanctuary.org/ to learn more.
Give canned or dry food to your local Food Bank and/or food pantry. There’s food enough for all in this world, we just need to pass it down the table! Most local churches have drop off bins.
You have till Nov 21st (I believe) to fill a shoe box with small gifts & school supplies for a impoverished child through http://operationchristmaschild.org/. Use the zip code finder to locate a drop off near you. I know Twin Lakes Church in Aptos is collecting them this weekend.
Santa Cruz Family Homeless Shelter at 115 Coral St, needs socks, warm jackets, blankets, any warm clothing. Contact them 1st about donations so you can arrange a drop off. http://www.scshelter.org/
Donate new pajamas to Project Pajamas. New PJ’s Size 0-18years will go to kids in shelters, foster care, and transitional housing in need. Go to http://www.tlc.org/ministries/localoutreach/servethebay/ for more info.
Toys for Tots, donate or attend the Alice in Wonderland tea party benefit at Seacape Beach Resort on Dec 12. dvaladez831@gmail.com for details.
Oh, and with a mom group I’m part of, we’ve been making bags filled with snacks, a bottle of water & small hygene items to keep in your car to give out to homeless around town instead of giving cash when asked for help. It’s a great way to give something when you don’t have or want to give out money. It’s easy to buy a few extra things at the dollar store or give up a few granola bars from your Costco box and means so much!
There are tons more easy and affordable ways you can give a little back this season. The Santa Cruz Sentinal is making a list called holiday helping hands: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_19304139?source=most_viewed.
or you can contact me for some more ideas. Happy Sharing!
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