Hello! Welcome back to the blog where we just can’t stop hearting Old Towne Orange! With just two weeks until Thanksgiving, we have loved watching the Plaza become autumn-ified and are looking forward to spending a few days eating turkey, watching football, and spending time with loved ones. Is anyone leaving Old Towne for the long weekend? Anyone visiting?
As we move into the end of an eventful 2018, it’s important to remember the people and blessings in our lives. In the world we live in, it’s important to not take this beautiful life for granted. This is all the more reason to be grateful for each day – and we are so grateful to be here in Old Towne.
One huge step in the Thanksgiving season is saying thanks, but the other huge part is giving. It is literally in the title – ThanksGIVING! This week, we compiled a list of 5 ways you can give back to the community this Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Friends of the Orange Public Library – Since 1959, Friends of the Orange Public Library has served the community in Orange by fundraising, supporting library and community programs, and making an overall better library experience for everyone in OTO. If you are interested in becoming a member and giving back to our community through library programs, contact The Friends of Orange Public Library here!
The Second Harvest Food Bank – Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Second Harvest Food Bank, bringing their mission to life through their work. Volunteers provide the equivalent of 40% of the work at the food bank. This Thanksgiving season, they want to help feed those in need. Looking to get involved? Their food distribution center is always looking for friends to sort, package, and ship food – all while having fun. Find out how to volunteer here!
Friendly Center: As the vision states on their website, “Friendly Center has expanded to help thousands of families each year to keep their children safe, stable, and secure. Our vision is to bring an end to poverty in the unseen parts of Orange County.” This Thanksgiving season and always, Friendly Center is looking for donations and volunteers to participate in toy bagging, holiday distribution, and more! They are seeking help with after-school tutoring and food distribution. Visit their website to get involved!
Mary’s Kitchen – In 1984, an 82-year-old Mary McAnena, founder of Mary’s Kitchen helped a homeless woman in Hart Park, Orange, California. She found her calling and dedicated herself in any way possible to help those less fortunate. Mary’s dream soon became a reality and Mary’s Kitchen was born. This holiday season, Mary’s Kitchen is looking for volunteers and donations to help those less fortunate. For more information on how to help or get involved, visit their website here.
OneOC Volunteer – As I was doing my research, I ran across OneOC, a website where there is a list of many upcoming and ongoing volunteer opportunities across Orange County! If you take a scroll through the website, you can find numerous community service opportunities sorted by the organization, where the organization is located, and the distance from you! You can filter the search by times you are available, location, and specific volunteer interests. On the website, there is also a page for Family Volunteering programs, which are opportunities for entire families to work together, bond, and help those in need. Visit them here for information on how to get involved.
This is just the start of volunteer opportunities in our community. Ask your church, professors, friends and family how they are giving back this fall and consider giving back as a group! Old Towne is so blessed to have so many resources that benefit the entire community, and we can’t wait to get volunteering. Have a great weekend everyone and we will see you around towne.