This is the time of year when the needs of others should stand out in stark relief against the backdrop of the sparkling Holiday Season. Too much time, energy and money are poured into "keeping up Joneses" so to speak. Every Christmas there are ads all over TV for individual "gift ideas" that just one alone, would deplete the holiday gift-giving budget for many. We are made to feel cheap if we don't give to everyone, right down to the mailman and the trash collector. Next thing you know we'll be sending gifts to the tax collector for sending out our tax bills. I guess that is an exaggeration, but not by much.
Now you may say that it is better give than receive, and I agree wholeheartedly. That brings me to the point of this post. I have compiled the following list of organizations that need our help. The need is there 365 days a year, but during the Holidays it is much more evident when there are families who have to choose between having heat, food and medications, and are unable to buy even the smallest gifts for their children.
I don't want to sound preachy or self-righteous. I'm not rich or perfect, and I am certainly not pointing fingers, nor am I trying guilt you into digger deeper than you can afford. Only you know what you can do. I just want to bring to the forefront some of the ways in which we can help make Christmas a little brighter for some.
See the end of post for ways to stretch your donation dollar.
This information was gathered from the
Seasons Greetings NC website, and this a partial list of organizations and their needs' lists. For more details and contact information, please visit the website.
Bethesda Center for the Homeless 930 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 722-9951.
http://www.bethesdacenter.org
Needed: Cash donations to help pay for winter utilities, such items as socks, ear muffs, first-aid supplies, handkerchiefs, winter wear (hats, gloves, scarves for men and women); toiletries, new or used blankets, bath towels, soap and shampoo.
The Children’s Home Inc. 1001 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104-3200, 336-721-7600.
http://www.tchome.org.
Needed: Monetary donations, item donations and volunteers throughout the year. Christmas gifts such as toys, games, sports equipment, clothes for ages 0-18.
Crisis Control Ministry Inc. 200 E. 10th St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 724-7875.
http://www.crisiscontrolministry.org
Needed: Canned juice, nonperishable food items for the food pantry, and money. Shampoo, toothpaste, razors, baby products, washing detergent, donations.
Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center (formerly the Senior Services Adult Day Care and Alzheimer’s Center), 231 Melrose St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103, 724-2155.
Needed: Such gifts for clients as women’s and men’s handkerchiefs, gloves, scarves, warm hats, toiletries, shaving items, bingo prizes, socks, hand lotion, craft supplies and colorful seasonal paper supplies for meals and snacks such as napkins and paper plates.
Family Services Shelter P.O. Box 604, Winston-Salem, NC 27102, 724-3979.
Needed: Money and such gifts for women and children as dishes, pots and pans, flatware, glasses, irons and ironing boards; kitchen appliances; towel sets, dishcloths, new pillows, sheet sets, blankets and comforters (twin and full); baby items; sanitary napkins and tampons; laundry baskets, alarm clocks, flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers, car emergency/safety kits, hair dryers, hair products, bedroom slippers, socks, flip flops, underwear, umbrellas, phone cards, gift cards, grocery gift cards, reading glasses (+1.75, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00); new smoke alarms, space heaters, fans and family games/playing cards. Monetary gifts are always appreciated. No used clothing accepted.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina 3655 Reed St., Winston-Salem, NC 27107, 784-5770.
http://www.hungernwnc.org
Needed: Food and Food Drives: Canned meats, soups, fruits and vegetables; packaged rice and pasta; canned tomato sauce and stews; peanut butter.
Silas Creek Manor 3350 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, 765-0550.
Needed: Hats, ball caps, handkerchiefs, costume jewelry, small games, playing cards, lap blankets, soap, hair products, lotion and wrapping paper. Radios and cassette players.
Winston-Salem Rescue Mission 717 Oak St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 723-1848.
http://www.wsrescue.org.
Needed: Underwear, handkerchiefs, socks, disposable razors, flannel shirts, especially sizes extra large and 2X, gloves, deodorant, shaving cream, bath soap and plastic soap holders, toothbrushes and plastic holders for toothbrushes, toothpaste, nail clippers, foot powder and staple foods. Money for Christmas gifts and dinner are needed as well as unwrapped Christmas gifts.
Winston-Salem Rehabilitation and Health Care Center 1900 W. First St., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, 724-2821.
Needed: Donations of lotions, jogging suits, Kleenex, socks, clocks, throws, large-print books and word-search puzzles are needed.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of needs to be met. Topping the list are cash, food, toiletries and personal care items, and winter clothing.
For all you "couponers" out there, here is where you can use your money-saving skills to build up donation boxes, bags, baskets, or unload some of your bounty from recent bargain hunting. If you are new to the whole coupon-clipping, rebate-seeking concept, there are several good sites that have coupon/sale matchups, and they give you the heads up on where to get the best deals. The more you give, the more you get, and the more you get, the more you can give.
Hip to Save and
Southern Savers can get you started in the right direction.
You may want to bookmark this post to refer to as you make your shopping list, and as always, please feel free to share your ideas and experiences.
