The American Red Cross is but one of the many organizations that welcome children’s help – at this, or any time of the year.

Kids can help Habitat for Humanity too!

Pilgrims and potatoes are what we often equate with Thanksgiving, but there is so much more Thanksgiving is about. In light of the name, we should give thanks to who or whatever is responsible for our good fortunes. No matter what our situation, our quality of life is far better than those less fortunate around the globe. There are opportunities for advancement and minimal suppression in this country. Children in Africa, The Middle East and even in our neighboring nation of Mexico, could never imagine a day set aside for feasting. These children suffer from malnutrition, poor healthcare, lack of education and even AIDS. These plights exist here in the great United States, too, and I don’t know about you, but I heard more than one child at the Fall Festival ring out with, “I would never volunteer at a booth, it’s too hot and sweaty.”

It is high-time we teach our children of their good fortunes and how vital it is to give of ourselves, our time and our value to those who have not yet stepped into the good graces of the Fates. The holiday season is the perfect time to start a family tradition of giving and remembering those who don’t have. As we all know, often times, seeing is believing…

American Red Cross-Club Red

Become a part of Club Red Kids and learn tons of cool stuff. Kids learn lots of important facts about disaster and safety, receive goodies and a newsletter and discover key leadership skills. Club Red is for youths grades 6-12 and meets once a month at the Southwestern Red Cross Indiana Chapter. For more information, call 471-7200 or visit www.evansvilleredcross.org. For the Warrick County Chapter, call 897-0390.

VistaCare Hospice-Pet Therapy, Arts & Crafts, Baking, Card Making, Etc.

VistaCare Hospice is an organization that aids individuals and families through times of illness and loss. This is a great way to be involved with a younger child or letting your older child take the reins. According to VistaCare, “pet therapy is something our hospice patients thoroughly love participating in. Also, our patients would love to have items such as crafts, drawn pictures or fun with art materials to bring joy into their homes or nursing homes. Spread your creative joy to our hospice patients.” VistaCare has room for lots of volunteer opportunities for kids and parents. Visit www.vistacare.com or call 476-8990 for more info.

Habitat for Humanity-Volunteers Needed for Construction New Haven

Groups and individuals are needed for construction at New Haven. To volunteer for OHA, contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Kelly Merkel, for more information at kmerkel@evansvillehabitat.com or (812) 423-5623, extension 33.

Evansville Rescue Mission

The Evansville Rescue Mission meets the needs of less fortunate men, women and children within an environment of caring and compassion. Volunteers are needed to serve the three meals a day in the soup kitchen, for clothing, food and hygiene drives, and for several other aspects of the mission. Volunteering at the ERM, or other kitchen is an excellent way to illustrate to kids about the plight of people in our community as well as around the world. Call 421-3800 or visit www.evansvillerescuemission.org for more information.

Check out these helpful websites:
www.volunteermatch.org
www.thevolunteerfamily.org
www.volunteerevansville.com
www.dreamcenterevansville.org
www.onewarmcoat.org
www.children.org
www.WorldVision.org