"Pay it forward is just not a slogan it's a commitment!" (M. Marion)
Everyone could use a helping hand from time to time. The way I see it, I've got two so why not lend mine when I can and when I know it will benefit others. As you browse through my pages you will undoubtedly take notice of how fortunate I have been over time. I know others who are managing lives much different from mine so I try to help lift the load whenever possible. Below you will find where I like to volunteer.
Mozel Sanders Foundation Thanksgiving Dinner telethon
Mozel Sanders Foundation Inc. has been feeding the hungry for over 40 years. During the Thanksgiving Day holiday the foundation distributes over 35,000 meals to those in need from Butler University and with the help of over 39 satellite sites around Indianapolis. In order to sustain this heroic effort the Foundation organizes three major fundraising activities, the Outback-Give Back Luncheon, the Humanitarian Tribute Dinner, and the Annual Radio-Thon. I am happy to lend a helping hand at the telethon by soliciting shoppers in one of Indianapolis's local mall locations.
Saturday Evening Post Community Garden
In plots all across the city of Indianapolis, groups are working collectively to create community gardening spaces. Participating in community gardens is a great way to get to know your neighbors, learn about produce, and provide healthier options for your family. I am happy to dive hands first into the Saturday Evening Post's community garden as a volunteer helper providing fresh produce to Forever-fit participants and their families throughout the summer. Mother Nature and I are now on a first name basis!
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Gifts of Grace Christmas Family Charity
Gifts of Grace is a special opportunity to touch the lives of families in Indianapolis and surrounding cities by offering the hope and Love of Christ during the Christmas season. Families are treated to a special day which includes food, children and youth activities, a trip to our Christmas store to shop for gifts, receive a professional family photo, prayer, and two weeks of groceries, all for free! We need your help to extend God's grace and love to these families! A Gift of Grace can include volunteering, sponsoring a family, or donating food. Formed initially to reach single mothers and their children as a tangible expression of Christ’s love. This ministry event began serving 75 families and now has grown to meet the Christmas needs of more than 250 families. Gifts of Grace needed to expand its’ reach to include all family structures (single parents, two-parent families, and grandparents raising their grandchildren) to help more families experience the love of Christ. Gifts of Grace moved from the suburbs of north Indianapolis closer to downtown Indy to include diverse partners and volunteers. I am proud to say that I have joined the volunteer core for multiple years. I have to say that I enjoy giving as much as the families enjoy receiving their gifts.
Camp Healing Tree
In 2012 I lost one of my grandmother's to lung cancer. We shared a lot of time, love, and secrets together over the years so I felt very sad and lonely after her death. While my immediate family members tried to console and help me through my grief I felt they were not able to truly understand what if feels like for a kid to lose one of her best friends and confidants so suddenly. After entering counseling, I was given the opportunity to attend the 2013 Camp Healing Tree (CHT). CHT is a youth summer camp for those who have experienced loss. This experience was so impactful that I have committed to volunteering in upcoming camps. I can't wait to pay it forward to other kids who are feeling like, I felt lonely and unheard.