Advocating through the Holidays
One of the best ways to learn about something is to teach it, and as parents we often find ourselves teaching our children by modeling the kinds of behavior we want them to adopt.
A wonderful way to teach children about advocacy—standing up for others—is to do community service together during the holidays. There are many things you can do at home and in the community to help children learn caring for others is part of being a good citizen.
Simple Gift Ideas
Gather up those nearly new toys and clothes, and take them together to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
42% of jobs in our area pay less than it takes to support a child.1 Many families rely on these locations to make the holidays brighter for their children. Talk with your children about how it’s important to keep the things they don’t use out of the landfills and put them into the hands of children who need them.
Goodwill, 522 Chestnut St, Virginia. Phone: 741-3943.
Donation Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. (Store open to 6 pm.)
Salvation Army, 507 S 12th Ave W, Virginia. Phone: 741-1889.
Hours: Thursdays and Fridays, 9 to 11:45 am.
Collect basic needs: shampoo, deodorant, soap, towels, combs, brushes, blankets and more for people in Range Mental Health Services Homeless Programs. Host a family brainstorming session to think of the things we take for granted that many people don’t have. For more information, contact Ken Hall at 780-1644.
Now through December 13, Salvation Army Adopt a Family Program
Many area businesses, churches and service organizations traditionally adopt a family through the Salvation Army’s Adopt A Family program, but demand is increasing. In 2007, only 20 of 300 qualifying families were adopted! To participate, call Major John Klammer at 741-1889. To adopt an individual child, participate in the Angel Tree program (below).
Adopt an individual or a family receiving Range Mental Health Services. Range Mental Health Services clients are often people who live alone and are isolated. Contact Sandy Wallin at 749-2881 to find out what you can do to offer a little TLC during the holidays.
Stop by a local food shelf with your family contribution. Whether you gather unopened (and unexpired!) items from home or make a selection at the grocery store, talk with your children about what life might be like without enough food to go around. Who in your household would go without to make sure there’s more for others? How can you work together to reduce food costs? What can you do together to help make sure others have enough food this winter? Nearby food shelf locations:
Aurora Area Food Shelf, 29 West 3 Avenue North, Aurora
Hours: Wednesdays, 10 am to 1 pm. Phone: 229-3585
Quad City Food Shelf, 3 South Broadway, Gilbert
Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10 am to 4 pm. Phone: 741-1371
Salvation Army, 507 S 12th Ave W, Virginia
Hours: Thursdays and Fridays, 9 to 11:45 am. Phone: 741-1889
OR
November 5 through December 24
Super One Foods will be collecting donations for local food shelves at all locations.
Opportunities to Give Time and Energy
We all have different resources—time, energy and dollars—to give. When teaching children to be caring members of the community, it often has more impact to give time and energy together because young children are less likely to see or understand the impact of dollars. Time and energy is something you can give with your children, making their contribution every bit as valuable as yours.
Area nursing homes and adult day care centers welcome families. Stop by for a friendly visit or to help with any activities planned for the day. This is an especially good opportunity if you’re limited to weekends or if your children and their friends would enjoy caroling or doing holiday crafts with others. Call your neighborhood nursing home and ask for the activities director, or call Bonnie Ebnet at AEOA Northland Volunteer Center, 748-7328 or email bebnet@aeoa.org for locations in Hibbing, Virginia and Cook.
Salvation Army Supper Club
Monday through Friday, 4 to 5 pm, 507 S 12th Ave W, Virginia
The Salvation Army Supper Club serves meals year-round. This is an especially good opportunity for families with teens who can help with meal service and cleanup. Younger children can participate with adult supervision by wrapping plasticware and serving simple items such as rolls. Contact Diane Champlin at 741-1889.
Thanksgiving Dinner, November 24, 4 to 5:30 pm Christmas Dinner, December 22, 4 to 5:30 pm
November 15, 8 am to 1 pm, Help wrap gifts for children in ADAPT, a school-based children’s mental health program. Join Range Mental Health Services staff and volunteers as they wrap hundreds of presents at the Northland Learning Center, 1201 S 13th Ave in Virginia. To volunteer, call Sandy Wallin, Range Mental Health Center, at 749-2881.
November 19 through November 23, Virginia Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees
Mt. Iron Community Center, Highway 169, Mt. Iron
In addition to attending Festival events, volunteers are needed to help with ticket sales, as greeters, and with meal service and cleanup. This year’s proceeds go to help purchase an MRI Breast Coil to give a higher image resolution. Contact Mary Hooper at 749-9420 for more information about how your family can be involved.
November 23, Festival of Trees Family Day & Pancake Breakfast, 9 am to 1 pm
Children’s activities include face painting, cookie decorating, a craft ($5), bean bag toss and more. Special free treat bags for the first 250 kids! The Festival is open to the public for tree viewing and silent auction bidding. Visit with Santa and have your picture taken! Breakfast includes griddle pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit cup, orange juice and coffee ($5 for adults and $3 for children), and the Santa Shoppe will be open.
November 21 through December 13, Salvation Army Angel Tree, Thunderbird Mall
There are two ways to participate in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program: Stop by and pick up an Angel Tree tag to purchase holiday gifts for a child; or call Marcy at 741-1889 to volunteer to staff the Angel Tree table for a 2-4 hour shift. Children can help staff the table with a parent or caregiver.
November 21 through December 24, Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Share the holiday spirit as a family of bell ringers! 10 am to 8 pm, 2-4 hour shifts, six area locations.
Contact Major John Klammer at 741-1889.
Advocacy…
Is about being a champion for your children and the children of our community. It’s about making good personal and public choices to help our children grow to become well-adjusted, self-sufficient adults. It’s something we do at home and in the community.
The holidays are an especially good time of year to experience the joys of advocating by touching the lives of children and families close to home. Share the holiday spirit with those in need!
1 June 2007 - The Cost of Living in Minnesota - The cost of basic needs for Minnesota families in 2006; 42% based on 2 adults, 1 child, 1 FT worker, JOBS NOW Coalition.