ways to give back
Dan Cone
Updated: November 2018
With the holidays right around the corner, reflecting on what you are thankful for is important. Family, health and happiness are near and dear to my heart. I am always grateful for and look forward to another holiday season with family and friends. It's also a time for people to come together and give back to those in need. Giving back, whether donating or volunteering, puts everything into perspective. It enforces the things you are thankful for by helping the community and those who appreciate a helping hand. Here we've listed some places where you can give back right here in our Lynchburg community this holiday season.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers many services to our community and the volunteer involvement is crucial. Two options available and important during the holidays is the Red Kettle Campaign and the Community Feeding Program.
The Salvation Army also offers ways to donate during the holidays, The Angel Tree Program can trace its roots to the Hill City of Lynchburg, VA. In 1979, Lt. Colonels Charles and Shirley White coordinated the first Angel Tree program with River Ridge Mall. Being inspired by cards in the local Hallmark store, the idea was born to decorate the mall Christmas trees with paper angels. However, these paper angels would be special because they would contain the wish lists of needy children living in the community on the back. A request went to the community: take an angel, purchase the wish list items and then return it and place it under the tree. The Lynchburg community responded and their generosity inspired a movement that has grown into an international program. We are honored to be able to continue to partner with this giving community to keep this special program alive!
Lynchburg Daily Bread
For 35 years, Lynchburg Daily Bread has provided a hot meal in a Christian environment to the needy of the Lynchburg area. In 2016, Lynchburg Daily Bread served 60,485 meals to the homeless and hungry of our community, the most ever in their history.
Lynchburg Daily Bread only exists through the generosity of individuals, businesses and local churches. Less than 5% of their funding is grant-based, and they deeply appreciate their regular donors, including some former guests who faithfully mail in $10-25 each month.
City of Lynchburg
The City of Lynchburg has several opportunities available to better serve our community. Lynchburg's Adopt-A-Street/Spot program began in 1991. Today more than 80 locations across the City are currently adopted by volunteers who do at least four cleanups per year at their location.
Another opportunity is through The Lynchburg Tree Stewards is a self governing organization of trained volunteers concerned with promoting and protecting the health and well being of the urban forest of the Lynchburg metropolitan area; and is sponsored by the Virginia Urban Forest Council, the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the City of Lynchburg.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity gives a family the amazing gift of a home. Taking part in the construction and seeing the transformation is a wonderful process. Learning the skills and the complexity that goes into building a home will serve the community in a lasting way.
Mission Statement: seeking to put God's love into action, Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Lynchburg Humane Society
Lynchburg Humane Society is the place to go for dog lovers and cat lovers alike! The shelter works to make all the pets happy and find them the right homes. You can help in many different ways, all while spending time with the loving pets of Lynchburg’s Humane Society.
Mission Statement: Help pets in need through sheltering, adoption, education, spay/neuter, and community outreach.
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation
Choose to make a difference in your community by giving your time and talents in service. Lynchburg Parks and Recreation have opportunities for individuals, families, and groups. They understand that people have different availability, so you can serve in an ongoing position or just serve on a one-time project.
Red Cross
Donating blood is a great way to help others. Everyday someone is in need of blood and you can help! The Lynchburg Donation center holds donation events, has scheduled times at their building and by appointment.
Mission Statement: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Goodwill
Goodwill needs a steady flow of donations to pay for all their services. You can donate clothes, toys, jewelry, housewares, furniture, and even cars. Stop by your local Goodwill to donate and shop as your way of giving back this holiday season.
Mission Statement: Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
Lynchburg has a strong community presence with groups and associations working towards bringing people together and helping others. The holidays are a great time to take a step back, give thanks, roll up those sleeves and spend time serving the community. Your efforts will be appreciated and may make someone else’s holiday season even more cherished.
There are so many ways to give back in the Lynchburg area, if we missed any contact us, so we can make sure to add it to our list!
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