It’s been a difficult year for a lot of people this year, trying to make ends meet; whether it’s putting food on the table, keeping the utilities on, making a house payment or even being able to fill up your gas tank. The holidays can exacerbate that feeling of despair you might be feeling, especially if you have children. IF you celebrate Christmas, who doesn’t want their children to wake up on Christmas morning and find something special under the tree for them? If you’ve been scrimping and going without, wouldn’t it be nice to at least have a good meal on Thanksgiving? For thousands of people, a $10 turkey just isn’t in the budget and providing shoes and warm clothing is more important than getting a toy for their child…no matter how much it might break their heart that they can’t buy presents.
I put a message out on Facebook last week asking our readers to send information they might have as to where to get or give help during the holidays and we received a lot of good sources (thanks everyone) that I’ll share.
If there’s only one number for you to know though, no matter where you live, it’s 2-1-1. I had never heard of this, didn’t know what it was and am grateful for everyone who passed this valuable information on. I’m going to focus on 2-1-1 more in this post because it’s universal and again, no matter where you live, by simply dialing it, you can receive information on how and where to get help in your area.
The implementation of 2-1-1 is spearheaded by Unite Way Worldwide (UWW) and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems (AIRS)providing national help so that every American has access to this essential service. It’s free, confidential and the people who answer the phones are nice and truly care about helping you find the services you need. Services vary from community to community but basically what it does is provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis.
Financial needs aren’t the only area people might have challenges with during the holiday season. For some, the holidays can be depressing and sad, especially if you’re living away from family or friends or have lost a loved one. I don’t know about you but for me, I always remember the big family gatherings, the house filled to bursting with relatives and friends, the smells of turkey and dressing coming from the kitchen…it breaks my heart thinking of those who would like to pass on family traditions and memories for their own children but just can’t. And without getting really deep here, yes, you can create special memories and traditions that don’t involve turkey or presents. You can cook chili dogs and make homemade presents and still have a memorable day…I’m just saying that there is help out there if you need it. Thanksgiving is a time for “giving thanks” and so yes, if you have a roof over your head, if you’re alive, if your children are healthy, if you have a job…those are things we should be thankful for but I don’t think it’s “materialistic” to just want to have a good meal, to “celebrate” a holiday, to give your child, who perhaps hasn’t had a lot of “extras” in their life, something special…
Here’s a list of what 2-1-1 can help you with….and even if you’re not in need this year, if you know of someone struggling, you can pass this information on to them. And 2-1-1 is there for you year-round, not just during the holidays.
- Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
- Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.
- Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
- Support for Older Americans and Persons With Disabilities: home health care, adult daycare, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation and homemaker services.
- Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
- Volunteer Opportunities and Donations: If you’re looking for a way to give back with time or money.
For more information on 2-1-1 www.211us.org
It can be hard asking for help. I personally know more people who do without than who ask for help….but it’s ok to ask for assistance when it’s needed. I believe that all of us, ok, most of us, can at any given time, find ourself in a bind and need help. You may lose your job or suffer a debilitating illness. You might lose your spouse (through death or divorce). Your child may become seriously ill. You just never know. If you know someone who’s going through a rough patch, you can pass this information on to them. Or invite them to dinner. Or pick up a few toys or articles of clothing…it’s the holiday season and my thoughts are, give if you can, help someone find assistance if they need it and be thankful if you’re not in that situation.
Here’s a list of local programs you can give or get help with food, toys and clothes this holiday season. If you know of others agencies/services that are helping or need help this year, please leave a comment.
- Pikes Peak Association of Realtors coordinates food baskets with Women of Glory at Springs Community Church called The Thanksgiving Project for hard-working single moms who have chosen to stay off welfare but still need help.
- Kids Crossing is a private, non-profit Child Placement Agency providing foster care and group home care in Colorado. They are in need of monetary donations but also accept gently used clothing, toys, etc. A lot of families who so generously and lovingly provide foster care don’t necessarily have a lot of money…but they still volunteer. You can help them help the children placed in their care.
- The Yot Club (toy spelled backwards) is an entertaining and cost-effective black-tie event that provides toys and books for local children.
- High Plains Helping Hands Food Pantry helps provide Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas toys and meals and winter clothing that serves a large area from Colorado Springs to the north and east.
- I have personally met some of the lovely women who work at Tri-Lakes Cares…they will be helping those in need with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and providing gifts through their Giving Tree Gift program.
And both Care and Share and The Salvation Army have ways they can help a family in need during the holiday season (as they do all year) and how you can help.
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf
We had a lot of other great ministries, churches, animal shelters and agencies that were suggested, which I appreciate. I was trying to be a bit more specific for holiday needs for this particular post. I looked up every suggestion sent and if I could find a specific holiday message on how to give or get help, I included that link. If you know of an organization, agency, or non-profit group that is helping families this year with Thanksgiving or Christmas, feel free to post it to our comment section. If you have contact information or a link for that group, that would be really helpful!
You know, when I posted articles at Easter, soon after we launched our site, I did receive (very nice) comments that pointed out not everyone celebrates Easter. I understand that not everyone celebrates Christmas. On our site I try to provide information for all women, trying to live a good life on a budget…regardless of race, religion or politics. There are tons of sites that are more specific in those areas, if that’s what you’re looking for. But even if you don’t celebrate a particular holiday or event, you can use our holiday meals, gift giving, entertaining, etc., tips and ideas for those celebrations you do participate in….or for just life in general.