Giving back is always important, but it is especially prominent around the holidays. It not only gives us a way to help out, but it gives us the satisfaction that we have done something good and makes us appreciate everything we have. Volunteering is always appreciated by many surrounding businesses.
King’s Harvest has a goal to consistently serve hot meals to those in need. Volunteers serve lunch every Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 in the afternoon until 2:00, and breakfast every Saturday from 8:30 until 11 in the morning. They are also looking for volunteer drivers to pick up food donations from stores and restaurants. King’s Harvest is always welcoming new volunteers and greatly appreciates all of their efforts.
The Festival of Trees takes place every year around the holidays with various events to attend. There are performances, a parade, handcrafted trees to look at, auctions, and much more. Kelly Brewer, sophomore, said, “Every year my dance studio performs at the Festival of Trees. We all really enjoy it because we get to entertain all of the people who come to the event, and it’s a good preparation for our competition season.” The Festival of Trees is an event many look forward to, but it isn’t a success without all of the volunteers.
There are several volunteer positions needing to be filled at the Festival of Trees. Volunteering occurs before the event, during the even, and after the event. Positions include being Santa’s helper, assembling crafts for kids, looking over interactive games, setting up trees, taking inventory, and so much more.
There are also ways to help out without having to physically volunteer. Every year at the Festival of Trees, there is a gigantic tree made of brand new toys. All of the toys that make up this tree are donated. Elle Beeler, senior, stated, “Every year I donate toys to the Festival of Trees because it’s a simply way to help out and every child deserves to have a Christmas.”
Another way to help out is by purchasing another toy while out doing Christmas shopping. Toys for Tots was created in 1991 to help out families who are struggling during the holidays. It is a simple way to give back, and it helps give every child a Christmas. All around the Quad Cities you can find Toys for Tots boxes to donate a toy. Beeler added, “There are Toys for Tots boxes at nearly every store that sells toys, so it’s extra easy to give back this season!”
