• December 21, 2020

More Ways of Giving Back During the Holiday Season

More Ways of Giving Back During the Holiday Season

150 150 Elect Todd Hunter

With the holiday season upon us, it is important to remember there are many Coastal Bend residents that may need a helping hand this winter. In this week’s column, I would like to continue that discussion by sharing a few simple ways you can make a significant impact in the life of someone less fortunate this year. I have outlined some of the many giving opportunities available at Coastal Bend charities and they serve the Port Aransas and Corpus Christi areas.

In South Texas, we face high winds and humidity that can be particularly grueling during the winter months, and making donations of such items as coats and blankets are especially important this time of year. As mentioned above, donating new or gently used coats, blankets, and other cold weather items is a way to help others stay warm this winter. Goodwill is a great organization that can help with these types of donations. Goodwill also accepts clothing, shoes, belts, small household items, furniture, computers, and computer accessories. At Goodwill locations social distancing and mask mandates are being followed. You can find a donation location in your area by contacting them by phone at 361-884-4068 or visiting Goodwill Industries of South Texas.

With a diverse range of assistance programs that include Emergency Aid, Rural Outreach, Immigration & Refugee Services, Ministry & Life Enrichment for the Disabled, and the Mother Teresa Shelter, Inc., among others, the Catholic Charities offers a number of donation opportunities. Although the Catholic Charities’ building is closed during the COVID-19 situation, they continue to serve our community. You can find out more about these services and how to get involved by visiting Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, or calling 361-884-0651.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities in our area is another great charity that provides comfort and support for families with sick or critically injured children in many different ways. From donating clothes items to catering meals, there are several ways to get involved as outlined on their website. Some programs include Pop Tabs, Share-A-Night, Share-A-Meal, Sleeves for Support, and a few more. Due to the COVID-19 situation, no visitors are allowed into the Ronald McDonald House, but you can help by catering meals to be delivered from a restaurant. Also, volunteer shifts have been temporarily suspended but you can donate items at yellow donation boxes throughout the Coastal Bend. A few item to donate to the donation boxes are brand new games, small toys, books or crafts, and clothing. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities, especially in these difficult times, please visit RMHC Corpus Christi or you can reach them by phone at 361-854-4073.

Whether it is through donating goods, contributing financially or volunteering your time, it is my hope that together we can find a way to make this holiday season a bit brighter for those in need.