Spreading a little Christmas Cheer!!

The Holidays…a time when everyone seems to be in a loving and giving spirit. A time when families get together for laughs, memories, and pig out! As a child, the holidays was all that was mentioned, but also it was a time that my mother made sure we didn’t forget the less fortunate. Actually, my mom made sure of that all throughout the year! Because of this, I try to make sure I always implement community service during the year.

Even thought it seems like time is not on my side nowadays with me working full time, being a full time wife and mother, there is always an hour or two that can be taken out of a month, quarter, or year to give back to the community. You never know how that hour could impact someone’s life.

Around 2010 I started putting together small community service projects with a goal to eventually become an official non-profit organization which would allow me to expand on a larger scale.

The main project I started last year was to decorate a senior nursing home for the holidays. Seems simple right? You would think so, but unfortunately that is not the case. This year we went to a new location, and was still faced with the same challenges.

Getting volunteers was no challenge at all…
Getting decorations was no challenge at all…
Getting the cooperation from the housing complex…CHALLENGE!
Getting my decorations back after the holidays…CHALLENGE!

This year I was very blessed with 13 volunteers & so many donations of supplies that my Explorer was full to capacity!! I posted on facebook, craigslist, and sent out emails to spread the word that I was looking for volunteers and decorations for this project. I received overwhelming responses.

One generous lady responded to my craigslist post, and mentioned to me that she had a store in Redford but was bought out recently which left her with a lot of seasonal items! I met her at her storage unit in Novi where she loaded my truck with 3 boxes numerous of holiday items!

I also had to additional ladies respond to my facebook post. One gave a large 7 foot tree (with stand and bag), and the other provided a large bag full of porcelain Christmas items. All was quality items, ans was very grateful!

This year I also decided to incorporate activities with the seniors, and have a little party. OMG did they enjoy that! We had Bingo, Holiday Crosswords, and Christmas trivia. Thanks to all the donations, we was able to give away some awesome prizes!!

Upon arriving at the location I took a quick before picture, so here is what the Community Room looked like after we unloaded my truck.

Two volunteers working hard to put up garland and bows down both hallways.

Here is what it looked like after it was completed.

The wreath was a great donation! It was perfect for entrance right above the mailboxes.

This is the opposite hallway decorated with garland, bows, and snowflakes!

Here is my attempt to take a panoramic shot of the entire room. 

Here is a picture of that awesome tree that was donated.  As you can see it fit perfectly in the Community Room!

Some centerpieces we put together with the items that were still available.

And there is the picture of the entire group.  Everyone walked in, asked how they could help, and got straight to work!  When they completed their task they immediately began assisting others.  Now that's team work!

I lost track of how many "thank yous" we received during and after the decorating was completed.  The seniors were all smiles, and that is the exact reaction we were looking for!!  

So, is there some place in your area where you can donate a couple of hours of your time to help others? Soup kitchen? Nursing home? Children's home? Cleaning up playground? Neighborhood?  Whatever it is, I can assure you that your time spent will not be in vain.