When I think about my youth, I realize that there has always been a burning passion inside of me to serve others. I grew up outside of Savannah with little exposure to the inner city, but I distinctly remember the moment I realized that there were people in our city that had needs. I don’t remember how old I was or what grade I was in, but I remember watching a family running to catch a city bus with bags of groceries in hand. I do remember that I was old enough to not let my brothers and sisters see that I was crying. That was the first time that it hit me, that there were families that did not have luxuries like my family.
My family was not super philanthropic, but I was able to participate in projects with my church and school through high school that involved donating items, rewarding but not so interactive. It wasn’t until I was living in downtown Atlanta in college that I was able to help with projects like Techwood Tutorial Project, tutoring and mentoring students at inner city schools and Christmas in April, helping elderly low-income homeowners with home repairs.
Then one Thanksgiving, I had the chance to serve a hot meal to the homeless at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. No other Thanksgiving have I felt more thankful, and that day I saw something that would impact my future family. I saw families serving together, and although I was not even married yet, I knew that I wanted my kids to experience the same joy of giving one day. I still feel like it is our responsibility as moms to teach our children the importance of giving back and investing in our communities!
My twins just turned eight and are in the second grade. I feel like now is the perfect time for them learn experience giving in a different way. I would have been happy to expose them before, but I did not limit my service by having to mind my kids while volunteering. It is good to know that most organizations are full on volunteers through the end of the year, so we are setting our eyes on 2014. We might be too late to fill their plates on Thanksgiving Day, but there is still time to stock the pantry.
This year we will again provide much needed food items to families in need through our schools Blessings in a Backpack program. During the preschool and primary years, we have always spent Thanksgiving helping with “baskets” including everything from a turkey roasting pan to mashed potatoes and gravy and a gift card for a turkey. My kids are kinda “getting it,” but I think a full blown interactive experience will help them really understand. Maybe one of them was born with this same passion as me, but if not I would like to help create it!
Here are some great places in our city where you can help feed the homeless and the needy through hot meals or ready-to-cook meals! Most of them require that you complete a volunteer application or volunteer through one of their preferred organizations. From associations with my church and the Junior League of Jacksonville, I have the opportunity to serve without completing the application. Even though it feels good to serve a Thanksgiving meal, there are hungry people in Jacksonville everyday. Seek out an opportunity for your family to serve! Maybe serving up turkey and dressing isn’t the right thing for your family right now. Just start small. Most of these websites have wish lists for donations.
The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida
I love this, Kathy. I think if we practice this while our kids are young, it becomes like second nature to them. Even the smallest act of kindness to a person in need is important for our children to witness. I work with Family Promise through my church, and the kids come along. We cook and serve dinner for 2-3 families at a time that are in the program. We sit down as families and eat together and talk. Our kids play together,- all the while never realizing the differences between them. Kids are amazing that way- they don’t seem to care were what neighborhood you’re from or what your parents do for a living!
Love this! Thank you for the resources.
Great article! UCOM UrbanServ, Inc is a nonorofit in the Southside/San Marco area that operates a food pantry, Meals on Wheels, and scholarship program. Volunteers and donations are always needed and appreciated. Visit online at http://www.ucomjax.org or Facebook or Twitter @UcomJax.