The American Red Cross is but one of the many organizations that welcome children’s help – at this, or any time of the year.

Pilgrims and potatoes are what we often equate with Thanksgiving, but there is so much more Thanksgiving is about. In light of the name, we should give thanks to who or whatever is responsible for our good fortunes. No matter what our situation, our quality of life is far better than those less fortunate around the globe. There are opportunities for advancement and minimal suppression in this country. Children in Africa, The Middle East and even in our neighboring nation of Mexico, could never imagine a day set aside for feasting. These children suffer from malnutrition, poor healthcare, lack of education and even AIDS. These plights exist here in the great United States, too, and I don’t know about you, but I believe it’s high-time we teach our children of their good fortunes and how vital it is to give of ourselves, our time and our value to those who have not yet stepped into the good graces of the Fates. The holiday season is the perfect time to start a family tradition of giving and remembering those who don’t have. As we all know, often times, seeing is believing…

American Red Cross
Young people are trained to become involved in many areas of Red Cross Disaster Services, including community disaster education, disaster preparation in their local community, and disaster response through Red Cross disaster action teams and youth disaster corps. For more information, call The Big Rivers Chapter of the Red cross at 683-2438 or visit www.bigriversredcross.org.

Wendell Fosters Campus for Developmental Disabilities
Wendell Foster's Campus for Developmental Disabilities is a leading non-profit organization in Western Kentucky that assists individuals with disabilities of all ages. Wendell Foster is in need of volunteers to aid with several activities such as scrapbooking, spiritual nurturing, special events, laundry and much more. www.wkatc.org or call 683-4517.

Hospice and Palliative Care of the Ohio Valley Region
Hospice is an organization that aids individuals and families through times of illness and loss. This is a great way to be involved with a younger child or letting your older child take the reins. Hospice is looking for volunteers to make crafts and cards for patients who’s family can’t be with them during the holiday season. Contact Cheryl Walls at 926-7565 for more information.

Daniel Pitino Shelter
This shelter provides a family shelter catering to adults with children. It houses a large soup kitchen, a large medical clinic for the homeless and indigents and also There is a also a drug and alcohol rehab program for women. Volunteering at the DPS is an excellent way to illustrate to kids about the plight of people in our community as well as around the world. Call 688-9000 for more information.

Check out these helpful websites:
www.volunteermatch.org
www.thevolunteerfamily.org
www.volunteerowensboro.com
www.charity-charities.org
www.unicef.org
www.onewarmcoat.org
www.children.org 
www.WorldVision.org