Syrena Clymer,, Freshmen
It's no surprise people are extra charitable around the Holidays; from OCC to Toys for Tots- the Christmas season is filled with different charity opportunities. There are plenty of ways to give around the holidays.
Operation Christmas Child, or OCC, is a organization that mails shoeboxes filled with small toys and supplies for less fortunate children. Being a Christian organization, it is very common for churches and Christian school members to participate. Once a box is packed, (keeping in mind of the following guidelines: no food, liquids, and breakables) they are then sent to one of the many processing centers; the largest being located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Within these processing centers each box will go through a series of different inspections. When they are finally taped and put into boxes, they are ready to be sent to children through the ages of 2-14 who can not afford, or do not have access to these products. After receiving a gift the children are taught the gospel by the missionaries delivering the gifts. While people are hired to supervise and control machinery, the organization mostly relies on donations and volunteer work in the processing centers. Anyone is welcome to come help in the any of the organization's locations or donate a shoebox.
Much like OCC, Toys for Tots is centered around giving gifts to children as well. You have mostly likely seen a Toys for Tots donation bin set up in your school, church, or somewhere else; have you ever donated? It's very simple, they collect unused and still sealed toys. Their mission is to spread Christmas joy to kids throughout the nation, even if their Christmas is a little less conventional. It is a very credible and nonprofit organization. The Foundation’s professional staff is located in the Cooper Center, which is just outside the Main Gate of Marine Corps Base, Quantico.
Another charity that isn't very well know is Angel Tree. This charity focuses on children with one, or both parents in prison. A church or other organization can assign their members’ a child in need along with a gift suggestion. A person will then receive the information on what they need to give the child, which would be a perfect present costing a minimum of $15-$25. There are few requirements for the gifts, but they must be approved by the child's caregiver before sent. This organization is also religious, the children will be taught stories from the bible after receiving their gifts. One can also make a monetary donate directly to the charity through their website.
All of these charities are incredibly reliable and focus around making Christmas more special for children, and the children are always grateful for the gifts and the wonderful people who sent them. It's worth the little bit of money and time you spend to make a child's Christmas something spectacular. Spread joy through giving this season!
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