Winter Garden Magazine December 2016 | Page 41

Wherever you find yourself this holiday season always know there is a way to give back, no matter how big or small. Samantha Rhodes In the midst of the holiday season, everyone is looking for a way to give back and show thanks. Some donate food, clothes, and toys while others donate time, energy and love. However, why does it always take some kind of holiday to remind us to be thankful? Or to give back? During the upcoming holidays many places get flooded with volunteers who, with the intention of giving back, offer their time so that they may feel as though they did some good this holiday season. Great Nonprofits can help you to find some of your local charities. Support the Troops Sponsor a call home or call your local VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post #4305 or Hands On Orlando Invite Someone Over Know any friends or neighbors who may be a little lonely? A fellow student unable to go home for the holidays? Visit a local retirement home or hospital Florida Hospital Winter Garden, Golden Pond, Serenades by Sonata at West Orange - Memory Care Assisted Living Not everyone has family that visits this time of year. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen Christian Service Center for Central Florida or Matthew's Hope. Even though they see an influx of volunteers during the NOW OPEN F LOR I DA HOSPITAL WINTER GARDEN holidays, it's important to remember that hunger is a year-round problem, but any extra help is always appreciated. Donate to Food Banks Bread Of Life Fellowship Call local churches Hope Church, West Orange Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, or check out a Homeless Shelter Directory to find local shelters, pantries and soup kitchens. Matthew's Hope collects things year round and you can visit their page to find out how you can become a volunteer. Foster a pet Winter Garden Animal Hospital or the local PetSmart FLORIDA HOSPITAL NOW SERVING WEST ORANGE COUNTY Our new