Every year, my husband and I give a turkey away for Thanksgiving and for Christmas. Since he works at a produce market, his employers give him two large turkeys for both holidays and we figure it’s the least we could do by paying it forward to some deserving families during the season. There is nothing like the feeling one gets when doing something for someone in need. It really is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.
Years ago, when we were still dating, my husband and I went out with members of his mother’s church to feed homeless people during the holidays. It was scary for me at first because I did not know what to expect when crawling under some of the bridges and underpasses where homeless people seek refuge. Believe it or not, these people are just like you and I except that they fell upon some hard times. The people we fed were so thankful to have a hot meal and even enjoyed having some conversation and companionship.
The holidays are the perfect time to lend a helping hand to others in need. Hormel Foods has brought leaders from the public and private sectors together and donated millions of dollars worth of food products to local food banks along with Feeding America. They have commissioned surveys about hunger perception in America and hosting hunger summits to brainstorm ideas for addressing hunger issues in this country. This is their way to give back to the communities that support them and you can find out all about it by visiting their corporate website.
GIVEAWAY!
We would like to challenge YOU to give back and lend a helping hand in your community this holiday season!
Comment on this post telling us what you did to help out in your own community. Whether it be discussing the meaning of being charitable with your child, volunteering at a local food kitchen, or packing and donating clothing. We want to see how you “give back” to those less fortunate. **LEAVE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT.**
We will randomly choose one winner from the comments below by December 7th, 2012 and Hormel Foods will make a donation to a local food bank in the winner’s community just in time for the holidays!
*One entry per person, per household.
**Open only to U.S. residents, ages 18 and over.
Disclosure: In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. While Hormel Foods provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiment in Tough Cookie Mommy are my own.
© 2012, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
We are donating pet food to a local pet shelter, donating a towel to a local collection for a youth shelter, and purchasing two extra gifts to give to kids who wouldn’t have received gifts. We will also be going through the kids toys to donate things they no longer use.
my gf and I take toys every year to the homeless shelter for the children there to have a christmas present cooladam1 at livedotcom
Maria this is AWESOME!!!! One thing I did was contribute to the “UHaul” that is parked at our local Turkey Trot every year. One thing that they especially need is diapers, so I took diapers and some canned goods. Thank you (and Hormel) for this effort!!
We make double dinners a few times a month and share with a friend or neighbor. So far, surprise dinner has always been very appreciated! momlovesdeals at gmail dot com
I volunteer regularly for our Food Shelf – love it!
Thank you.
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
There is a town near me where 80% of the school students live in poverty and some can’t even afford pencils. I make a donation of school supplies to the school each year. jenndiggy at gmail dot com
We are teaching our daughter about charitable giving by getting her involved with a clothing drive as well as a couple of giving trees for needy children this holiday season. avs96bm at gmail dot com
I volunteer Thanks for the giveaway! Janna Johnson [email protected] [email protected] on gfc
Thanks for the giveaway! Janna Johnson [email protected] [email protected] on gfc
we made donations for the victims of Sandy
I volunteer at a local animal shelter walking dogs.
ericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, Erica. You are the winner of the donation to your local food bank. Congrats! I’m emailing you right now!
Donating clothing and household items
to help out i give to the salvation army
my sons school does operation christmas,so you can volunteer to send a new toy for a child in need,both my kids did this
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway…we support our local food bank, St. Mary’s, with donations & $$$,