In years past the holiday donation season was robust, with paper angels flying off artificial trees in malls around the Valley and food banks receiving frozen turkeys by the hundreds for needy families to have at least one special meal to mark the season.
But with the steady decline in the state’s housing values over the last two years and the more recent economic turmoil, that holiday generosity is in jeopardy ... which could leave various charities and those they serve hoping for a financial miracle of their own.
Even if you can’t give as much as you have in years past, anything you CAN give is still very appreciated and needed, say the charities.
So, if you’ve got even a little extra change to spare this holiday season, think about lending a hand to those who struggle daily to put food on the table, and for whom the idea of purchasing presents for their children is only a dream. You could help make that dream come true.
If you can’t give your money, consider giving your time. Several nonprofit organizations also need volunteers during the holiday season.
Here are a few charitable options to choose from:
City of Phoenix
The city of Phoenix Human Services Department is sponsoring its annual Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program. Sponsors are needed to provide toys, clothing and household items for participants in the department's social service programs. Participants are low-income families who are experiencing difficult times and would not otherwise be able to provide gifts for their children. Last year, 334 families were assisted through the Adopt-A-Family Program.
The families who benefit include parents involved in the Family Self-Sufficiency (residents of public housing), Family Services Centers, Head Start families and School-Based (students in grades 4 to 12 and their parents) programs.
For more information or to volunteer as a sponsor, call 602-262-4520. Information will be provided regarding the specific family’s needs and special gifts wish list.
Desert Mission
With the holiday season just around the corner, John C. Lincoln’s Desert Mission Food Bank has many ways that individuals, families or groups can share the spirit of giving.
1. Help put a turkey on the table for needy families this holiday season. Drop your frozen turkey off through Jan. 30, 2009, at the Desert Mission Food Bank, 9929 N. 4th St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Adopt a family. You can purchase toys, clothing or other practical gifts for your adopted family and deliver the gift to them directly or bring them to the Food Bank for the family to pick up. If you can’t do the shopping yourself, you can mail a check to Desert Mission Food Bank, 9929 N. 4th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85020 for the Adopt-A-Family program.
For more information about any of the above opportunities, contact Cathie or Megan at 602-331-5792.
Salvation Army
Each holiday season, The Salvation Army provides thousands of meals for needy families across the Valley of the Sun. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are served to all who attend and are home-delivered to homebound individuals.
Volunteers are needed to set up, serve, clean and usher at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and to deliver holiday meals to families and shut-ins across the Valley. Home deliveries take place between 7:30 and 11 a.m. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; about five homes are given per driver, and you can specify what part of town you are interested in delivering to. Pickup of meals is at 628 N. 3rd Ave. (at Fillmore).
You can also help prepare (Nov. 25-26) and/or serve Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 27 at the Wyndam Phoenix Hotel, or prepare (Dec. 23-24) and/or serve Christmas Dinner on Dec. 25 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer for the dinner service.
For more information, call 602-267-4117.
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