The holiday season can be a very busy time of year—shopping, traveling, visiting, hosting parties… It’s only too easy to get caught up in the craziness and forget an important part of what the holidays should truly be about. This year, take a step back from the whirlwind and try something a little different.
Here are six Nashville charities that could use your help this holiday season.
Second Harvest works daily to feed hungry individuals, children, and families in the Nashville community, but even more importantly, they strive to solve the issue of hunger. Each week, Second Harvest distributes over 600,000 pounds of food to families in need, including meals, fresh produce, and pantry goods, through various programs such as Mobile Pantry, Kids Cafe, and BackPack.
If you’d like to get involved, there are several ways you can help! Of course, monetary donations are always welcomed, as are pantry and food items. And volunteers are needed every day to sort and pack food donations, prepare meals, and assist with special events.
The American Red Cross is always looking for volunteers and donations, and because it offers such a large scope of aid, there are a lot of ways you can give back. In addition to emergency community aid, the Red Cross also offers everything from CPR training to emergency social services.
Big Brothers Big Sisters focuses on providing aid and support to children facing adversity in the Middle Tennessee area, and they’re always looking for help—whether that’s your lightly-worn clothing or your assistance with an outing or event. Want to really do your part for a child in need? You can even become a 1-on-1 mentor.
The Easter Seals has been providing assistance to adults and children with disabilities for over 80 years, and in that time, they’ve helped hundreds of individuals and families to establish a secure place within the community. The Seals are always accepting monetary donations, but there are also many ways you can donate your time by volunteering to help out with an event or at their Nashville Corporate Office.
Founded in 1893, Monroe Harding Children’s Home continually strives to improve the lives of children and youth in the state’s custody. Some of their offered programs include Foster Care, Cooperative and Independent Living, and a Resource Center. They also offer education and vocational skills training, relationship building, and reliable support and guidance. If you’d like to get involved, your options range from donating to mentoring to becoming a foster parent.
The Little Pantry That Could provides food to between 80 and 90 families every week. This includes both fresh produce and staple fridge and shelf goods, and the people they help are real, everyday people—parents who go to bed wondering if they’ll be able to feed their children tomorrow, children experiencing food insecurity, families below the poverty line, those with homes and without.
If you want to get involved, volunteer to help stock the shelves of their pantry, pick up food, or help shoppers select groceries. You can also donate food, host a food drive, or donate money.
Thinking of Becoming a Part of the Nashville Community?
