Opportunities to give back to the community increase during the holiday season

November 24, 2015

There are thousands of families in the city of Lexington that need assistance during the holidays, and many people believe it is our responsibility as citizens to reach out and help them. There are several different charitable organizations around the city that would love volunteers or donations so they can help those families in need.

The Firefighter Toy Program is one of Lexington’s longest active charitable events– 84 years now. Last year, the program provided Christmas toys to over two thousand children.

A God's Pantry food bin has been stationed outside Ms. Cabble's door in the downstairs orange hallway. Photo by Mark Walsh. — A God’s Pantry food bin has been stationed outside Ms. Cabble’s door in the downstairs orange hallway. Photo by Mark Walsh.

To donate to the program you can bring new, unwrapped toys, that are appropriate for children (up to age fourteen,) to any Lexington fire station.

If you want to volunteer for this program, you should contact the Fraternal Order of Firefighters. Volunteers are often needed to help organize donations and to pass out toys to the needy families.

Another way to boost your karmic slate is by donating your time to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has multiple programs during the holiday season that helps the needy.

One of their most popular programs is the Food Angel Tag program. The Salvation Army provides food for families during the holidays and you can help by picking up a Food Angel Tag at your local Kroger store.

Many people have never heard of the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, but it is still very important. The agency has an annual Silver Bells Holiday Gift Drive to help residents of nursing homes.

The program helps give lonely nursing home residents gifts during the holidays, which they would otherwise not receive.

Items that can be donated for this gift drive can include socks, purses, gloves, hats, scarves, puzzles, and crossword books. Students can drop off donations at the Lexington Senior Center. The program would love any and all donations, no matter the price tag.

You can even help out the community right here at HC! Ms.Cabble is a part of the God’s Pantry Food Bank and is accepting any canned food donations at this time. You can drop off any canned food donations in the blue bin in front of Ms.Cabble’s room.

If helping people isn’t really your cup of tea, then maybe you ought to try helping out shelter animals around the holidays.

The Lexington Humane Society is holding an event called Pet Pics with Santa on Dec 12th, from 1pm to 4pm.

You can take your pet to have its picture taken with Santa Claus and help raise money for the Lexington Humane Society at the same time. All proceeds from the event will go to the Lexington Humane Society to help feed and shelter animals.

The holidays are much more than eating Thanksgiving dinner and opening presents on Christmas morning; they are also about giving back to the community. Lexington offers many different charities in which you can donate items or volunteer your time. Take advantage and give!