Ways to Help Others Feel Thankful Too
Thanksgiving is here and the season of giving has officially begun. As we think about the many reasons we have to be thankful, whether it be our health, our loved ones, or the opportunities set before us, it’s also a good time to think about the many ways we can give back to others less fortunate.
Here is a very short, short list of things going on, ways we can give back, wishes we can grant others.
Because for all the adventures that we come across in our lives, none will leave a greater mark than the one felt when we take the time for others, not only during this wonderful season, but always.
21st Annual New York Cares Coat Drive
New York Cares once again is hosting the New York Cares Coat Drive, providing thousands of people in the New York area with warmth and some comfort during this very cold season. From December 1-31, 2009, New York Cares will be collecting new, warm coats for that 90% homeless adults, and thousands others who need them.
For more information visit: www.newyorkcares.org
New York Cares collects nearly 70,000 gently used winter coats each December and distributes them to thousands of men, women, and children who would otherwise be cold.
Baby Buggy Gear Drive
Baby Buggy, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing New York City’s families in need with essential equipment, clothing and products for their infants and young children, will be having a gear drive from December 3-5th to collect new and gently used strollers, high chairs, bassinets and baby carriers for New York City’s families in need. Pledge cards will be available on-site for people to make financial contributions towards Baby Buggy’s purchase of these items.
Our friends at Gift Hero asked that I share this info with you all in the hopes that you will join in the opportunity to donate used gear to such a wonderful cause.
Baby Buggy, founded in 2001 by Jessica Seinfeld, is dedicated to providing New York City families in need with essential equipment, clothing and products for their infants and young children. With an extensive network of community based organizations in the five boroughs, Baby Buggy has donated over 3.9 million items to thousands of children and parents. Visit www.babybuggy.org for more information.
When:
Thursday, December 3rd – Saturday, December 5th
Thursday & Friday: 10AM-7PM
Saturday: 10AM-5PM*
Bring your children on Saturday to help create cards for Baby Buggy recipient families and enjoy Eleni’s cookies.
Where: The Caledonia- 16th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues (Under the Highline)
Champions Against Child Hunger
This holiday season, ConAgra Foods Foundation and Sandra Lee, of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, in partnership with Share Our Strength®, are launching the Champions Against Child Hunger contest to recognize those who are doing great work to help end child hunger in communities across the country.
To enter just nominate a family member or friend – or even yourself at the Champions Against Child Hunger Web site, www.ChampionsAgainstChildHunger.org, through Jan. 22. For each submission, ConAgra Foods Foundation will donate $10 to Share Our Strength. Then, you’ll have a chance to vote on finalists to raise even more funds. And, the finalists and winner both receive grants for their hunger relief organization of choice.
Each of the top five finalists will receive a cash prize of $500 as a reward for their advocacy and passion for ending child hunger, and a matching donation of $500 to Share Our Strength or their hunger relief organization of choice. The grand prize winner will receive a trip to New York City, a tour of The Food Network studios, and a cash prize of $1,500, as well as a donation of $5,000 to Share Our Strength or their hunger relief organization of choice.
ConAgra Foods Foundation has committed an incremental donation of up to $100,000 to Share Our Strength.
Blogger Hosted Toy Swap and Drive
Two favorite New York blogs, A Child Grows in Brookyln and Mommy Poppins are teaming up to host two Toy Swap events in Brooklyn and the Upper West Side. They are currently taking reservations. For more information visit either A Child Grows in Brooklyn or Mommy Poppins.
Rangers Host Toy Drive
The New York Rangers will host their 16th annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Partnering with the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program, the New York Rangers will collect toys for needy children in the tri-state area.
Fans attending the annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive get an autograph and the chance to meet Rangers players in exchange for the donation of an unwrapped toy. On Wednesday, December 2nd, for the fifth year in a row, the Rangers will host their annual Toy collection at The Pond, at Bryant Park from 4-7pm. Adam Graves and several current Rangers players will be on hand to provide autographs and photo opportunities. Fans are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots, and in exchange will receive an autograph from a current player.
Last year the Rangers collected over 4,000 toys for children in need because of the organization’s dedicated and compassionate fans.
Also check out The New York Rescue Mission, City Harvest, and God’s love We Deliver for ways to donate food, time, or money to help the poor, the homeless, and the ill.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.
