I just moved to Arlington but my husband & I decided that rather than spending Christmas Eve bickering with family over gifts we would try to find a volunteer opportunity. We'd like to do something for children & are not specific to religion. We'd like to be with all denominations as we aren't Christians ourselves. We are open to ALL options & welcome any suggestions. We're just 2 people who want to help when we can.
We MIGHT have our 20 month old daughter with us (she'll be almost 22 months by then), if Grandma can't watch her.
Any options/ideas are welcome.
Thank you!
Mission Arlington. They are non denominational and could use all the help they can get. Their number is ###-###-####.
Very cool.. Don't have any suggestions for Christmas Eve but Mission Arlington does some fantastic work. If you want to help beforehand there is the The People That Care center in Grand Prairie. They support so many folks in the area. . and they always have holiday programs for those who need the help. And this year there will be so many. Shady Grove Church off of Carrier Parkway might have some more suggestions. Your daughter sounds like such a joy.. hope you have another sooon!
Oh and if you are open to the elderly - there are many nursing and rehab facilities filled with folks who never have anyone visit them on the holidays. They are so grateful for a cookie, smile and hug.
The best possible idea would be for you to go to Children's Medical Center and visit/ drop off cookies, caroling, talking with, etc. all of the children who are in the hospital and cannot be at home for Christmas. I guarantee if you go, you will find atleast on child there who has NO family whatsoever with them. You may have to fill something out ahead of time of possibly even have a background check done by the hospital. I know that if you can get a group of people from a church together or something, it is much easier to set it up with the hospital. Good luck, Let us know what you end up doing!
You might try the Arlington Life Shelter. Our Girl Scouts decorated there one Easter for the kids that were staying there. Their program is designed to get the families back on their feet and require kids and adults go to school. Here is the website if you want to check it out: http://www.arlingtonlifeshelter.org/
Although this is not helping children, visiting a nursing home may be a good option, especially with your daughter. There are a lot of people there who are not able to be with their families for the holidays, and a visit from a cute, fun toddler would really brighten their day. Check with the admin office of the home first to let them know that you plan to visit; they will likely have the names of a few patients who would enjoy a visit.
Whatever you choose to do, you're doing a great thing. Including your daughter will make it so much more special, and at the same time you're teaching her to be a good citizen. Have a good time with it!
You might check out your local homeless shelter, they usually serve a Christmas dinner... or even a local orphanage. Or the local hospital/children's hospital and see if you could load up with some small stuffed animals and hand them out.
or perhaps the local Meals on Wheels may need some help. Or check with a local cancer center and see if there are any families there that ya'll could cook and take meals to for Christmas.
Try Mission Arlington. They are a great no pressure organization.
You might call the Salvation Army. They are very active during the holidays and always need more volunteers.
If you want to do something that will directly have an impact on children in need, I would suggest you call your local boys and girls club, or big brothers and sisters organization. Salvation Army may have some suggestions or you can check and see if there is and actual childrens home in your area (an orphanage) Hope you find a cause that speks to your heart it is very generous of you to donate your time on Christmas Eve. :-) Thank you.
Check with Mission Arlington and the homeless shelters to see what they have going on. You might also call some of the orphanages and see if they have something you could help out with on Christmas Eve. I have not ever done anything like this but I think it's an awesome idea and so giving. Have fun with this !
