Talking with a family recently, they spoke of a loved one as having “a giving heart.” I liked that phrase. Our heart is what gives us life each day. We put our heart into something we do that we really care about. We love someone with all our heart.
The giving heart is one that looks for ways to help before anyone has to ask. We can all name one or two people in our offices who are like that. They’re our favorite co-workers because you can always count on them. They’re first to volunteer to give.
Chelsea’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree is up at the Funeral Center. Underneath there are boxes filling up with gifts of toys (new and gently used) and jackets, coats, and sweaters for children to use this winter. In memory of young Hazana Anderson, and with the permission of her father, Tabodrick, we’re the collection point for these items that will be donated to Scotty’s House and Project Unity this holiday season.
This community is filled with people who have giving hearts. So many are making it their mission to help nonprofit organizations who reach families “who need a little Christmas, right this very minute.”
This is the season that serves as a reason for us to stop, take many deep breaths, be thankful for all we have, and then find ways to share our hearts in ways that resonate with us.
Individuals and our local businesses are coming through in a big way to make a difference for our community’s families in need.
This morning, attorney Chad Jones and his wife, Stephanie, of Chad Jones Law graciously donated two giant clothing bags of brand new winter jackets for children and youth in memory of Hazana and one of our team members was delighted to go by his office to pick up this very special gift.
Last Thursday Realtor Abbie Walsh and her team at Walsh & Mangan Premier Real Estate Group, located in South College Station, began collecting toys and clothing and financial donations in Hazana’s memory at their location, 1645 Greens Prairie Rd., Ste. 405A, College Station.
Please feel free to stop by their offices to make your contributions, which will be distributed to both Scotty’s House (new toys and financial donations) and Project Unity (gently loved toys and all clothing for infants, children, and youth). We appreciate their beautiful spirit of giving.
Now, across town in Bryan, check out the Bryan Police Officer’s Association’s Blue Angel tree, in the lobby of the Bryan Police Department. Toys are coming back in by today for the children whose names were on the tree.
The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station has red kettles and volunteers out across town, so please remember the families and children who are helped with shelter and other needs, particularly at the holiday season. Quite a few “celebrity” bell ringers have been spotted around town in many different locations!
This year’s Mayor Ring Off is on Sat. Dec. 8th, where Mayors Karl Mooney and Andrew Nelson will compete for your contributions at their respective Walmarts from 12n-1pm. Who will win this year?
The photo of the late President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush was published on Nov. 30 on the Salvation Army Texas’ Facebook page as a reminder of their commitment to service above self.
Speaking more of the Salvation Army, if you’ve been inside Post Oak Mall, you’ve seen the beautiful Angel Tree where ornament tags for hundreds of area children are on the list, showing if boy or girl, their age, and size clothing they wear, plus a description of some item they wish Santa could gift them with this year. Their wishes are so modest and expectations so small, it is really moving.
Then, outside Post Oak Mall, the Brazos Radio team is wrapping up Radio MASH (Make a Smile Happen) Toy Drive, which is one of the best and brightest examples of community spirit shining across our towns. They brave all kinds of weather changes (this year was much kinder to them than last year’s!) and are out there 24/7 to collect your towns for children this year.
Do you have senior neighbors who live alone without family members to visit them? They will always appreciate being remembered with a visit and any gift you happen to take them. Maybe your church choirs visit the local retirement communities to sing Christmas carols; add your voice and blend in. Or, you can always call area retirement communities to see how you might share your time with those who might appreciate a visit.
Whatever you do this season to bring joy to others is up to you. We love living and working in this special community and we’re grateful for every gift you offer as you give your heart this holiday season!
