The holidays are rolling in and you’ve got the perfect opportunity to give back and lend a helping hand! Volunteer your time or make a financial contribution to charity—there are countless ways to make an impact. Dive into these opportunities to spread some good vibes this season:
1. Baby DJ
The TNG office will be a drop-off location for Baby DJ toy donations this year! Stay tuned on our socials for details on when you can begin bringing in your donations.
Baby DJ brightens the holidays for over 3,500 kids in Central Florida by delivering toys, food, and Christmas trees. Johnny Magic, a local radio personality whose morning show tops the Central Florida charts, started this initiative 30 years ago. His extensive community involvement alerted him to the challenges many families face during the holiday season. Each year, the goal is to outdo the previous year, achievable with support from the community and local businesses.
Get involved by:
- Serving as a drop-off location
- Bringing toys to an existing drop-off spot
- Volunteering at the warehouse
- Making monetary donations through their website
2. Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank thrives on the support of dedicated volunteers. In the previous year, a staggering 37,000 individuals contributed their time to assist in feeding countless families.
Mark your calendars for a special day of giving: WESH 2’s Share Your Christmas returns on Friday, December 8th, celebrating its 38th year, promising an eventful experience. Share Your Christmas 2023 will unfold as a one-day extravaganza across Central Florida. WESH 2 will broadcast live from six unique food drive sites, encouraging the community to donate non-perishable food items and to raise funds for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. With collection hours running from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, the event offers ample opportunities for everyone to participate and make an impact.
Get involved by:
- WESH 2 Share Your Christmas
- Hosting your own food drive
- Volunteering for one of their various shifts (serving meals, dry goods sorting, light warehouse duties, etc.)
- Making monetary donations through their website
3. One Heart for Women and Children
One Heart for Women and Children provides essential aid to those facing homelessness or transition, offering food, clothing, and necessities and going beyond basic aid to foster hope and community connection. It runs educational programs on life skills and substance abuse prevention and collaborates on community projects like garden planting and home renovations. Holding the belief that everyone has something to contribute, the organization aims to create a network of care through community service and support. Stephanie Bowman, the founder, envisions a community where every act of kindness helps piece together a larger picture of hope and opportunity for those in need.
Get involved by:
- Sorting the food pantry
- Feeding the homeless
- Community outreach
- Picking up donations
- Special projects – food collection, hygiene collection, holiday sponsorships
- Making monetary donations through their website
4. Toys for Tots
The United States Marine Corps Reserve runs the Toys for Tots program, spreading holiday cheer by collecting new, unwrapped toys to distribute to less fortunate children. The drive transcends mere gift-giving; it delivers a message of hope and allows young ones to experience the joy of Christmas. Marines and volunteers form the backbone of the campaign, working to ensure that every child has a present to unwrap. With community support, Toys for Tots turns generous donations into smiles on children’s faces, fostering a spirit of giving across the nation during the festive season.
Get involved by:
- Hosting a toy drive
- Starting your own local chapter
- Volunteering at local events
- Making monetary donations through their website
5. Harbor House of Central Florida
Harbor House of Central Florida is a place of hope for people and families dealing with domestic abuse. This organization gives them a safe place to stay and helps with things like counseling, legal support, and learning programs. They help survivors take charge of their lives and push for changes in society. Harbor House works hard to stop domestic violence by teaching the community and making more people aware, stressing that everyone has the right to live without abuse and with dignity, respect, and safety.
During the holidays, you and your family can spread love by sponsoring a family! You’ll be able to buy specific items from a family’s wish list. All family gifts must be donated to the Harbor House Outreach office located at (708 E Colonial Drive, Suite 202, Orlando FL 32803) by December 16, 2023. Registration link below!
Get involved by:
- Registering to sponsor a family for the holidays
- Signing up for volunteer opportunities (signature fundraisers, social media ambassador, child care center, etc.)
- Starting your own fundraiser
- Making monetary donations through their website