Excited as we were to score deals for our wish list must-haves during Black Friday and Cyber Monday — Giving Tuesday is still our favorite “shopping” day of the year. Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to give the gift of time and/or donations to those who are in great need worldwide. It always occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Here are a few ways we’ll be giving back to San Antonio and the surrounding area this Giving Tuesday and in the weeks to come. We hope to inspire you, your friends, and your family to do the same.
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children – Texas: 24th Annual Jingle Bell Run
This event in the heart of Gruene, Texas promises to be fun for the entire family. The 24th Annual Jingle Bell Run will be Saturday, Dec. 10th from 8 AM to 12 PM. Besides a chip-timed 5k race, there’s also a kids-only 1K race, so your little ones can be included too! Running isn’t your forte? There are several opportunities for volunteering at the Jingle Bell Run, whether it’s serving food at Gruene Hall or helping coordinate the ongoing Wellness Expo. Proceeds of the event directly benefit SJRC Texas, a local nonprofit providing homes for abandoned and abused children in Bexar County. To register as a runner, volunteer, or as a corporate sponsor, click HERE.
SAMMinistries: Kid 2 Kid Christmas Challenge
Pledge your child’s commitment to the #Kid2KidChristmasChallenge, by donating a brand-new toy in lieu of an additional present for your child. This is a great opportunity for children to directly give back to their peers. Toy donations can be made through Dec. 3rd at SAMM Ministries Donation Station, 5246 Blanco Rd., or online HERE. Don’t forget to post a picture on social media with the hashtags #MyGiftYourGift & #Kid2KidChristmasChallenge! Volunteers are also needed to wrap Christmas gifts in SAMMinistries’ housing programs on Saturday, Dec. 10th from 9 AM to 1 PM. Sign up HERE.
Salvation Army: Angel Tree San Antonio
For more than 18 years, the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program has provided gifts to children all over the world. Each year they ask the community to brave the seasonal crowds to purchase a gift, or even a few, for underprivileged children. The ages range from newborn to 18 years and they ask that gifts be new, unwrapped and unopened. Gifts can be dropped off at Salvation Army’s San Antonio area command at 512 W. Elmira St. Visit Angel Tree San Antonio for more ways to help.
San Antonio Food Bank: Food4SA
San Antonio has an urgent need to collect 1 million pounds of food for underserved people in South Texas. There are several ways to help: 1) find a bag in the San Antonio Express News, refill it with nonperishable items, and drop off at your nearest SSFCU branch or HEB location. 2) Donate non-perishable items to any SSFCU branch or HEB location. Or 3) send the gift of a meal. $1 covers up to seven meals. Donate online at www.safoodbank.org.
WestSide YMCA: Toy Box for Kids
The Westside Family YMCA is hosting its annual Toy Box for Kids gift giving event to ensure that all children and teens in the west side community have a Christmas to remember. With the help of the community, the Westside Y is committed to helping all families enjoy Christmas, regardless of their income. This year, 500 children and teens, will receive gifts from the Toy Box for Kids Program. Gifts can be donated to the Westside YMCA at 2900 Ruiz St. through Dec. 2nd. The Toy Box for Kids event will take place on Wednesday, December 14 at 6-9 p.m. and will feature a family meal, photos with Santa, entertainment and families receiving their gifts.
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