Give Thanks, Give Back
‘Tis the season to give thanks and spread cheer to those in need. Help make the holidays merry for kids and others in our community by giving to one (or more) of these organizations devoted to helping others. We will add more as we hear of them, but these will get your holiday spirit moving.
Project Backyard Winter Clothing Drive
Project Backyard is collecting new and very gently used winter clothing to give to individuals and families as part of their Free Community Thanksgiving Day Meal. Items can be dropped off at the Thomasville High School Cafeteria – 315 S. Hansell St. – from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23. If you need to schedule a drop-off time for a different day, email info@projectbackyard.com. Volunteers are also needed for the Thanksgiving event on November 24. Click here for more information.
Thomasville History Center
The Thomasville History Center invites you to decorate a mantle, tablescape, or complete Christmas tree (star to skirt) celebrating the unique history, culture, and natural habitat of the Red Hills region. Decorations may reflect your organization’s mission or purpose and each display’s creator will be identified for the public to see. The decorations should be installed prior to Thanksgiving and will be on display throughout the holidays in the Lapham Patterson House. Click here for more information and to register.
Nominate A Service Member
In partnership with Judy’s Heroes, HOTC is collecting items for holiday care packages for both stateside and deployed active-duty Service Members. Items can be dropped off at the HOTC office at 120 E. Monroe street through November 14.
Know a Service Member we can send a care package to? Make a nomination here now through November 30.
Sip & Clip For A Cause
Sip & Clip at JoNina Farm from November 11 – December 11. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors while benefiting 10 local non-profits! Citrus makes a thoughtful host/ess gift for any occasion, but especially during the holidays. Join HOTC on December 10 from 11am – 3pm to support a community of volunteers!
Stockings for Seniors
Help make Christmas merry and bright for senior citizens who may not have friends or family that visit them during the holidays. HOTC will be collecting “stocking stuffers” such as blankets or throws, puzzle books, flashlights, nail clippers, chapstick, ensure, and gift cards that will be given to local senior citizens. Please bring items to the HOTC office located at 120 E. Monroe Street, Monday-Friday between 8AM-4PM. Drop off deadline is December 16.
YMCA Santa Tree
The Butler-Mason YMCA has a Santa Tree in their Child Care department. Some families in their program don’t have the ability to provide Christmas gifts for their children. The Santa Tree provides the hope of receiving toys, clothes, or other items to make Christmas happen. For many kids, the gifts they receive through the Santa Tree will be the only ones they open on Christmas Day. Contact Bebe at (229) 226-6082 or via e-mail for more information.
The Treehouse Advocacy Center
The Giving Tree – Purchase wish list items or make a donation for someone to purchase items on your behalf to benefit a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect. Call The Treehouse at (229) 236-5437 or e-mail for wish list, sizes, etc. Deadline is December 16. Learn more here.
Toys for Tots
Click here for a list of local participating businesses that are designated Toys for Tots Toy Drop Sites. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
The Salvation Army
Red Kettle Campaign – Ring The Bell! Volunteer bell ringers needed now until December 23 (except on Sundays). Click here for a volunteer form.
Angel Tree – Adopt an Angel Tree child. Call (229) 226-3772 to adopt a child for Christmas. Click here for specific needs. If you are not able to “adopt” a child, you may also make donations from the wish list and drop off at The Salvation Army at 514 N. Madison Street.
Canned Food Drive – Help the Salvation Army to meet the needs in our community. Bring donations to 514 N. Madison Street.
Stuff a Stocking – Stop by The Salvation Army to adopt a senior citizen for Christmas and pick up a stocking. Fill the stocking with these recommended items. If you are not able to “adopt” a senior citizen , you may also simply drop off donations from the wish list.
Adopt A Family – Help make the holidays happy for a family in need by giving food, gifts, etc. The Salvation Army will match you with a family in crisis. Call (229) 226-3772 to get started.
Thomas County Food Bank
What will be on your holiday table? Thomas County Food Bank is asking for donations of canned and packaged food to provide clients the basics for a simple holiday meal. Also, if you have fruit from your trees (orange, lemon, etc.), that you would like to donate, the Food Bank would be very grateful for donations! Donations can be dropped off at 430 N. Broad Street on Monday afternoons, or Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Contact Janice at 226-7038 or e-mail for more information.
Hands On Thomas County
Your financial support is vital to the success of our mission. Although volunteer power is our main resource, the truth is, without the funds to coordinate, organize and implement, we cannot get the job done properly. Your donation helps us help others. When you give, you are rewarded physically, spiritually, and emotionally; and a local non-profit and its clients receive much needed hands-on help. Make a tax-deductible end of year gift here.
