By Annierose Donnelly
As we approach the holiday season, looking after one another has never been more important.
From turkey donations to toy drives, many exciting fundraising events and opportunities are available to get involved. Why not spread a little festive cheer around The Woodlands this year? There are a number of ways you can volunteer in The Woodlands.
Let’s take a closer look at a few charities to consider donating your time to:
Holiday GIVING at Interfaith of The Woodlands
For 50 years, Interfaith of The Woodlands has worked every day to create a brighter future for those in need. This Woodlands institution, founded by George Mitchell, takes care of our most vulnerable neighbors.
“It is a beautiful time of year here at Interfaith,” said Missy Herndon, Interfaith’s CEO. “The community really comes together and gathers around our neighbors. It is the season of our Holiday GIVING programs. Holiday GIVING provides families, children and seniors with gifts and food to make their Holiday Season special.”
Four main ways to get involved:
- Adopt A Family: Interfaith matches community sponsors with families in need, providing gifts and holiday cheer for an entire family.
- Holiday Toy Drives: Donate toys for collection or arrange a toy drive at your business or place of work.
- Purchase Gifts for Seniors: Make this holiday season much brighter for seniors in the community. Interfaith ‘adopts’ seniors for Christmas and gives them special holiday gifts.
- Holiday Food Assistance: Organize a food drive and collect non-perishable items to fill the shelves of The Interfaith Pantry.
Find more information and details about these programs at Interfaith’s Holiday Giving page.
YMCA Angel Tree Holiday Program 2023
Make sure the festive season is a magical time for our community’s young people. The YMCA of Greater Houston’s Angel Tree program serves infants and teens, providing local families with holiday gifts to open during the holidays. There are opportunities to host a toy drive, volunteer with YMCA and provide gift donations.
Find more information about volunteering with the YMCA.
Montgomery County Food Bank’s Holiday Helpings
Montgomery County Food Bank works all year round to unite the community in fighting hunger. Holiday Helpings is the organization’s annual holiday and funds drive. Everyone is encouraged to participate by hosting food drives and fundraising to help feed the community. It will run from November 1 until December 31.
Many other ways to get involved are available throughout the year. Every dollar donated to the Food Bank provides up to four meals for those in need. Find more information about volunteering on the Montgomery County Food Bank’s website and see the current calendar of available volunteer shifts at mcfoodbank.volunteerhub.com.
Meals on Wheels Montgomery County
Meals on Wheels Montgomery County provides a meal service to seniors in the community. The holiday season is the perfect time of year to lend a helping hand and brighten up a lonely day. Host a food drive or get involved in many of the organization’s volunteering opportunities.
Every year, Meals on Wheels asks the community to help make sure a senior has a delicious Turkey Day Treat on Thanksgiving Day. You can help by putting together a bag of treats, which will be delivered to seniors in addition to tasty, chef-prepared meal.
The Junior League Holly Jolly Holiday Market
November 17, 18 and 19, 2023 at The Woodlands Waterway Mariott Hotel & Convention Center
A staple event on the holiday calendar, the Holly Jolly Holiday Market is a go-to place for unique gifts from your favorite small businesses and boutiques. Browse for one-of-a-kind products and shop guilt free with the knowledge that your ticket proceeds go towards serving the community and supporting Junior League of The Woodlands’ programs.
Home items, accessories, clothing, gourmet foods and jewelry are for sale from talented craftspeople and designers from The Woodlands, Houston and across the country. Jen LOVES Paper, Grace and Charm, Gotcha Girl Boutique, 31 Roots and more than 100 other merchants will take part.
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Many thanks to The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Sponsors:
FOUNDING – Howard Hughes
LEGACY – Woodforest National Bank
HERITAGE – Waste Connections Inc.
GOLD – Entergy Texas, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
SILVER – SVN/JBeard Real Estate, The John Cooper School
PRODUCER – The Woodlands Township