Feature
November
25
Giving Back
by Mary Downer
Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the harvest and to express gratitude. This year we challenge you to express your blessings by giving back to the community. Through actions, involvement and monetary commitments, here are multiple ways you can help through giving back.
GIVE YOUR TIME
Time is one of most valuable things we can give.
Good Samaritan Food Banks
Located in Houma, Thibodaux and Raceland, these food banks are always in need of volunteers to help pack groceries for clients, screen clients for specific needs, and stacking and storing groceries on the shelves.
GIVE YOUR MONEY
By shopping locally, you assure that your money stays where you live. According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community. Everything from clothing to groceries to lumber can be bought from independent retailers.
TARC
Another local business offers an additional bonus for shopping locally. While shopping at the Terrebonne Association of Retarded Citizens, you are keeping your money local while providing these citizens with meaningful employment opportunities. From the TARC restaurant to Sweet Sensations Confections and Le Bon Temps Bakery, the possibilities to give while receiving are endless.
GIVE YOUR ENERGY
These national organizations have local chapters that are always looking for a few good men.
Red Cross
The Red Cross operates throughout the world with local offices across the United States. Often part of the first responders in a disaster, they are made up of a core group of tireless volunteers.
Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity
Pick up a hammer and join in. Habitat for Humanity brings families and communities in need together with volunteers and resources to build decent, affordable houses. They also accept donations at the ReStore, a retail location that resells home improvement items for up to 70 percent off. Items sold include cabinets, windows, doors and working appliances.
Junior Auxiliary of Houma
Founded in 1973, this group of women is focused on making a lasting difference in the community by meeting specific needs, especially those of children, through a series of hands-on service projects.
Rotary
The purpose of Rotary Clubs is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Their slogan is “Service above self.”
GIVE YOUR LIFE
Life is the most precious thing.
Donate Blood
One of the most amazing things you can do is give the gift of life by giving blood. Each pint of blood you give can help save up to three lives. Be a hero. Give blood.
