This time of year just gives you the warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s a time to give thanks and be grateful for all we are fortunate enough to have in our lives.
This year Valley encourages you to go out there and give others a reason to give thanks! Some of us need more to be grateful about this time of year, and YOU can be the reason they’re grateful!
There are sooo many ways to help out others this holiday season! You can start by helping those around you! That’s an easy way to start! Hold the door for someone carrying a big load or pay it forward at Starbucks! You really never know whose day, or even life, you could turn around with the simplest good deed!
Looking to step it up? State College has a lot of ways you can get involved to make a difference!
The Food Bank of the State College Area, Inc.
You can donate to Food Bank of the State College Area this holiday season! They also have a wish list that is non-food items that you can check out on the website.
They’re located at 1321 S Atherton Street.
Toys for Tots
You can donate to the United States Marine Corps’s Toys for Tots! You can donate your contributions to the State College Police Department at the police lobby window between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting December 1 through the 13th. For more information you can visit their website.
THON
As most of you know, THON is Penn State’s IFC/Panhellenic dance marathon and is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. It is a year-long fundraising effort that raises money for pediatric cancer and benefits the Four Diamonds families at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. There are many organizations you can get involved in to benefit THON. One simple way you can help raise money is by sending out THONvelopes, which spread awareness and ask for donations to THON. You can ask your organizations or clubs if they participate in THONvelopes!
Penn State junior recreation, parks and tourism major, Catherine Baumann, danced in THON last year. She told Valley that she sent out 50 THONvelopes to her friends and family to help raise money. “I love how we are spreading the mission and delivering it personally to our family and friends with a personal letter,” says Baumann.
Project Haiti
Project Haiti is a student run organization that raises awareness and money for Haiti through the Catholic Campus Ministry. You can volunteer at their fundraisers or attend their meetings. The club has frequent spaghetti dinners that raise money from tickets and donations. You can attend for $5 in advance or $6 at the door.
No matter what you choose to get involved with, someone out there could always use a little extra help, care and love. You can spread your love and joy to those who need some cheer this holiday season!
