It’s My Favorite Time of Year!

With the holiday season about to unfold, I often find myself reflecting on the past year’s activities and wondering how time passed by so quickly! I force myself to pause for a moment and consider where I will focus my volunteer and donation efforts this season. I thought I would list some of my favorite volunteer and donation efforts here in San Diego, many of which I have participated in:

1. Talmadge Food Drive – For the first three weekends in November, Talmadge collects food donations at the traffic circle (see events). I personally organize and sponsors this event and love the day when I fill up my SUV (sometimes a few trips) and deliver boxes and boxes and boxes of collected donations from our generous neighbors, to be distributed to those in need. This year, I am glad to announce that the donations will go to the Copely Price Family YMCA!

2. Mama’s Pie in the Sky – San Diego’s largest annual bake sell benefitting Mama’s Kitchen. From October 9th to November 19th volunteers sell Thanksgiving pies donated and baked by local caterers, restaurants and bakeries to co-workers, friends and family. This fundraiser benefits Mama’s Kitchen – San Diego’s only free, county-wide, home-delivered meals program for individuals and families affected by AIDS or cancer. You can go to the site and order directly, or look for a team pie seller on their welcome page: www.mamaspies.org

3. Copley-Price Family YMCA Community Holiday Celebration – Many families need some extra support around the holiday season, when resources are stretched thin and buying gifts is sometimes just not possible. With your help, Copley-Price Family YMCA can support these families and ensure that ALL children receive a holiday gift and experience the excitement and joy of the season. Help us bring these families together in celebration this season by supporting our annual Holiday Party and the work we do ALL year round! Volunteer opportunities abound including wrapping gifts on 12/9, donating your time and/or financial support to their various events throughout the season! Alternately, if you know someone who is in need of support, they can register at the Welcome Center at the Y! Contact vmckellips@ymca.org

I hope this gives you some ideas about spreading the wealth of our time and resources to those in need this holiday season. There are, of course, many more volunteer outlets near and far throughout the region. Wherever you spend your energy, know that there are others out there that really appreciate your generosity now, and throughout the year! I’ll see you out there!