‘Tis the Season for Giving

Most of us probably don’t know what it’s like to miss a meal because you don’t have money to buy a week’s worth of groceries or to not be able to afford Christmas presents for your children. However, there are many people in our community who find themselves in that situation. That is why numerous churches and organizations hold food and toy drives at this time of year. The following list is not exhaustive, but it does provide information about some of these programs. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t afford food or gifts for your children contact any of these organizations or if you want to help out in these causes, there is still time to take advantage of these programs.

Bomhoff Law Firm is collecting new unwrapped toys for Boys and Girls Club of Hernando County until Dec. 18. They are located at 13343 Cortez Blvd in Brooksville. You can reach them at 352-600-8998.

Pristine Spring Hill Baptist Church is collecting gifts for children of people who are incarcerated. They call it the Angel Tree Program. The church is asking for new items appropriate for children of all ages. You can find out more by contacting Reverend Emery Ailes at 718-877-7344. Or you can drop off the gifts at the Hernando County Sheriff’s South Brooksville Community Center 601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Brooksville. The gifts will be distributed on Sunday, December 22 starting at 10:30 a.m.

Hernando HOPE (Helping Other People with Empathy) assisted by the St. Joan of Arc Council of Catholic Women is providing items, such as blankets and treats to homeless people to give to their dogs and cats. Sometimes a pet is a homeless person’s only source of stability and comfort in their life. They are also providing backpacks filled with toiletries and cosmetic items for the men and purses filled with these types of items for the women. At the moment they have enough for these current projects, but after the first of the year, they will need to re-stock their storehouse with food, clothing, tents, blankets and other items that they collect and distribute year ‘round. They are always in need of volunteers, also. For information on how you can help contact Ellen Paul at 571-748-8033.

The Hernando County Marine Corps League’s annual Toys for Tots drive is in full swing. This annual project collects thousands of gifts each year for children of all ages. To request a collection carton to put in your business or to donate new items call 352-3045, Monday – Saturday 11 a.m – 7 p.m.

Calvary Chapel Hernando County (www.cchernando.org) will be distributing meals to Hernando County Fire Stations, EMTs and the Sheriff’s Office Communication Center on Christmas Eve. To find out how you can help email: [email protected] or call 352-650-8455 Tuesday – Friday 8 a.m – 5 p.m.

Faith Presbyterian in Brooksville offers free showers and a meal to the homeless at their church located at 200 Mount Fair Ave, Brooksville every 2nd and 4th Friday 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. In December this will be on the 13th and the 27th. For more information call (352) 796 4969, Monday – Thursday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Foster Parents Association of Hernando County is in need of toys, gift cards and monetary donations to help out the many foster children who reside in this area. For more information call (352) 650-3914 or email [email protected]. Gift cards and checks can also be mailed to P.O. Box 15195, Spring Hill, FL 34601.

And if you just want to help a friend who is all alone during the holidays, invite them to your house to share a meal or give them a gift. Small expressions of kindness mean so much.