With these crazy times when everybody seems to be worried about padding their own nest in order to survive, it is so good to take an opportunity to get out and serve others. To make Thanksgiving and Christmas an unselfish event. It’s about being thankful for what you’ve got and for the people in your life.
Here are a few ideas about where you might be able to serve in the Tacoma Rescue Mission and in Tacoma/Pierce County area:
Serve food: One of the most oft-asked questions I received is: “Can I serve dinner on Thanksgiving?” As you can imagine, we are able to fill the volunteer positions on Thanksgiving day quickly and they are often filled months in advance. However, this doesn’t mean that the original intent of your heartfelt request cannot be met. We are serving warm/delicious meals to folks every day/ 3 meals a day, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to get plugged in. This is a great opportunity for parents to get your kids involved in serving others. It’s fun and easy.
Bell-Ringing: The Salvation Army in the Tacoma area has opportunities each year to spend a couple of hours ringing a bell in front of a grocery store or shopping center. Put together a group from work, rotary or your church to divide up a whole day. It’s fun and rewarding. You’ll be a part of something bigger than just your own challenges.
Sponsor a child/family for Christmas: Each year there are homeless families and children who wouldn’t otherwise have Christmas presents without the sponsorship of a caring individual like yourself. Click here to get in touch with Need a Break services, which is coordinating a gift project between several different agencies, including the Mission.
Give Food: I know that Emergency Food Network, Salvation Army, Tacoma Rescue Mission and other agencies always need turkeys, hams, potatoes, pumpkin pies to help feed the hungry during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season. I do this every year and it’s so much fun to go out and buy food for someone you know wouldn’t otherwise have a great dinner.
Give resources: Clearly, there are many charitable agencies that depend upon your support throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Find those agencies you believe in and be a giver.
Most of all, make your Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays unselfish. Lift up and encourage others and remember the Blessings that God has given you.
DC
