As the semester comes to an end and with the holidays right around the corner, TCC students should find time in their schedules to lend a helping hand.
According to CharityNavigator.com, a Web site that acts as a Facebook for charities, the amount put forth to charities decreased by 2 percent in 2008. The Web site reports donations from individuals decreased by 2.7 percent and from corporations by 4.5 percent.
Those students who can afford to give a few dollars should do some research and find a cause that fits their passion.
SafeHaven of Tarrant County has a mission to end domestic violence. A donation of $25 trains a volunteer to answer emergency calls or help a domestic violence victim in the hospital.
Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County donates meals and other services to elderly people who need a little help. The organization delivers breakfast and lunch five times a week. Students who have time to volunteer can deliver meals, cut grass or trim hedges. For students skilled at fixing things, minor home repairs are always needed. Donating $20 would provide a heater, a blanket, a doorbell or a hand-held grabber.
The Art Station offers growth and healing to children and adults through creative arts. The therapy provides a safe and encouraging way to uplift hearts and help heal minds and bodies. A $30 donation provides a one-hour therapy session for eight teenagers to help them build social skills, increase self-esteem and make positive decisions.
But in the midst of a recession, students already known for their empty pockets can find other ways to help the less fortunate this Christmas.
Just spending an hour at Mission Arlington to help sort through all its donations can get people the things they need in a timely manner.
VITAS of Arlington and Mansfield need volunteers to spend an hour or two with its hospice patients. Peak times to help out are during weekdays, which should fit students’ schedules at semester’s end.
Spend an hour sorting through things in the house to see what clean, usable items can be donated. As the weather begins to cool down, thousands of people will need winter items to keep warm.
Also, just help an elderly person you know. Clean the house. Help with finances. Go to the grocery store. That person will appreciate any help.
With many charities, it’s easy to find one locally. Hospitals, nursing homes, food banks and church organizations can be found nearby. A quick five-minute search can show something that can be done to make the world a better place. If all students enrolled at TCC this semester spent an hour helping out in their communities, it would total 44,345 hours. Imagine if they spent two hours.
Take advantage of the things you have and help someone else out. You know the rule: What comes around, goes around.
