It’s almost Thanksgiving! Growing up, my favorite food was mashed potatoes and gravy. I just HAD to order it at every restaurant my family went to – I’m pretty sure I was the family mashed potato connoisseur. I believe they were so enjoyable to me because – not only are they super delicious – they reminded me of being on a school break for the holidays and with my family. As we move into the end of a lively 2017, it’s important to remember the people and blessings in our lives. In the world we live in, it seems that there are no guarantees. This is all the more reason to be grateful for each day – and we are so grateful here in Old Towne.
I feel so fortunate to live in a city where we are surrounded by so many merchants, restaurants, and businesses that want to give back to our community. So this week on the blog, we have completed the first step of giving back, for you! We have compiled a list of 5 ways you can give back in Old Towne this Thanksgiving season.
- Friends of the Orange Public Library: The Friends of the Orange Public Library is a non-profit organization that raises money for the Orange Public Library. Volunteers are needed for its Bookstore and Internet Sales. Seeking bookstore volunteers who are friendly, enjoy working with the public, can handle money, sort donated books and stock shelves. Internet Sales volunteers should be familiar with good book selection, familiar with the Internet, handle packaging and mailing books to buyers. If you are interested, reach them here!
2. Become a Habitat Cat Coordinator: This position must love cats! The position coordinates the volunteers at A Pawsitive Approach. They are looking for someone who feels comfortable in a leadership role, can prepare a schedule of volunteers, and e-mail a copy of the schedule to PetSmart. Additionally, they are looking for someone to respond to inquiries from those interested in volunteering, be the liaison with PetSmart managers, and meet with potential adopters and do adoption transactions once they are approved. If this sounds like you, visit their website to volunteer!
3. The Second Harvest Food Bank: Located in the neighboring city of Irvine, the Second Harvest Foodbank is always looking for volunteers and donations. Just $1 donated can help provide food for three meals. Visit their webpage to discover all the ways you can provide meals for those in need.
4. 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! Visit their website to get involved!
5. Give the Gift of Reading – Adult Literacy Tutor: The latest statistics state that one in five adults in the United States cannot read and write well enough to manage day to day reading and writing tasks such as filling out a permission slip from their child’s school, or read the directions on a medicine bottle. Help break the cycle of illiteracy by becoming a volunteer tutor in the Adult Literacy Program at Orange Public Library. Find all the information here!
Make sure to keep your eye out for more ways to give back in Old Towne during this wonderful time of year! Have a great week, everybody!
