The Gift of Giving Back
More than 700,000 Americans missed paychecks throughout October and November. More than 800,000 federal jobs were temporarily suspended. More than 42 million Americans lost their SNAP benefits. Instead of wondering what presents they should buy, many are left wondering when they’ll have their next meal.
Hunger can be tackled when people come together. Recently, in a record-breaking effort, algebra teacher Susan Orton and her 112 contributing students sent more than 6,000 canned goods to those in need for this holiday season.
“My students and I collect food to help those less fortunate,” Orton said. “There are more people in our community in need than you may expect. I am proud of the students and their families for making this a wonderful success. The students are motivated to help. Their kindness and generosity are sincerely appreciated.”
Twice a year in November and April, Orton and her students send mass donations to the Saint Vincent de Paul Our Lady of Grace Parish Food Pantry in Palm Bay.
Now more than ever, giving must be the focus. It is easy to get caught up in the trivialities of daily life instead of taking the time to reflect. The purpose of Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa is not to raid a Macy’s or overflow stockings — it’s to bring families, friends and communities together. While most Americans do visit family and friends, the community is often neglected from holiday plans. For those who have the time, energy or money to give to others, now is a critical time to redirect the holiday focus to giving back to those who are in need.
How to Give Back to the Community:
Share the Joy of Opening Gifts:
Join the “Adopt an Angel” program with the Salvation Army to buy a gift for children and elders in need, or donate money to the Salvation Army of Melbourne.
Volunteer:
Serve the community by attending a beach cleanup hosted by Keep Brevard Beautiful. The organization hosts multiple events in December, including a cleanup at Cherie Down Park on Dec. 20.
Join the Salvation Army “Ring for DV” by volunteering for four-hour shifts as bell ringers at Winn-Dixie in Rockledge from Nov. 17 through Dec. 24. The proceeds go directly to survivors of domestic violence.
Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, food bank or sharing center by preparing and serving holiday meals or assembling meal boxes for families in need. Reach out year-round to soup kitchens and become a regular volunteer.
Start a Drive:
Talk to teachers or other students about running a class food drive. Contact Student Government, Key Club, or the Junior or Senior Class about starting a drive this season (or any other season).
Where to Donate this December:
Donating in South Brevard:
Drop non-perishable food, clothing or educational supplies in collection bins at a local non-profit like Goodwill or the South Brevard Sharing Center at any time of year.
At the South Brevard Sharing Center, “Gamers United for Community Food Drive” is collecting non-perishable food
items and cash for November and December, with raffle entries for each dollar donated.
Donating in Central Brevard:
Rockledge and Cocoa host food drive competitions to see which city can receive more donations. Donate non- perishables at Rockledge City Hall, the Frank T. Forester Recreation Center, Tide Cleaners and Community Bank of the South, Cocoa City Hall, Cocoa Fire Stations, Cocoa Police Department, or Erdman Automotive of Cocoa.
At the Brevard Zoo, WESH 2 News hosts the “Share Your Christmas” food drive, benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Stop by and donate cans, powdered milk and other non-perishable items.
Skip a Purchase and Donate Instead:
Skip one fast food run, one coffee or another unnecessary purchase this week. Donate that money instead to a local organization like the Salvation Army of Melbourne. Just five dollars can buy a family canned vegetables for a week.
When donating or volunteering this holiday season, take a photo of you or another West Shore student at the event and email it to [email protected]. Photos will go on our Instagram.
