For years my family has been involved in various charities, but we have found the ones listed below to be our favorites. If you are looking to donate your time or money to a good cause, please consider these organizations.
These are our local charities, but if you search any of them online, you will likely find a chapter in your area. Or choose a charity that is located near you and become involved locally. Do it from the heart.
Getting the entire family involved is a wonderful way to spend time together and help others. Teach your children to always help those around them. They will grow into wonderfully caring individuals and will carry on the tradition of giving back to those who need it most.
East Texas Crisis Center
The East Texas Crisis Center is an organization that helps families who may have lost their home to a fire or other disaster. They provide food, clothing, and furnishings. This organization is deeply dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate and is always there to help children and families in crisis.
East Texas Crisis Center
www.etcc.org
Kindness Kottage | 119 North Johnson Street | Mineola, TX 75773
Phone: (903) 569-1678
Toys for Tots
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to children in need in the community where the campaign is conducted.
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to children who need it. A message that tells them they are seen, they are valued, and someone cared enough to think of them.
Toys for Tots
www.toysfortots.org
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
I became involved with the CF Foundation several years ago when a friend's daughter was born with the disease. Through careful research and generous donations, the CF Foundation is getting closer to a cure every day.
Heather McCoy was 26 years old when she lost her battle to cystic fibrosis. She left behind a mother, father, sister, brother, and a young daughter. Heather was full of life and always had a smile on her face no matter what she was facing. She never complained and was just a joy to be around.
Heather was a true inspiration to everyone who knew her. Her family are such wonderful people and it is heartbreaking that there was not a cure found in time to save her life. But with your help, I believe there will be a cure. Because of your donation to this worthy cause, we can save the children of the future from this disease.
Your support in finding a cure is imperative. If you are looking for a charity that is making a real difference in children's lives, please look into the CF Foundation and see how you can help.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
www.cff.org
Children's Miracle Network
You always think it will never happen to your family. And then it does.
If you have never experienced the NICU, it is a place of love, comfort, and miracles. Once you walk through those doors, nothing else in the world matters. It is like time has stopped. The NICU is a place where no one wants to be, yet you thank God for the NICU and what it offers to our babies.
I cannot tell you how blessed we are to have a NICU in our community. Those nurses are angels on earth and what they do for those babies is beyond comprehension.
Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network has raised money to help children in need and to provide them with the best care possible. And the really amazing thing is that the money raised in your community stays in your community, going directly to the hospital that serves you. That matters to me deeply.
Children's Miracle Network
www.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org
Donate here: https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/how-to-help/
A Final Word About Giving Back
We are a truly blessed family who is grounded by our faith. Part of living that faith out loud is giving back to the people and organizations that make our communities stronger.
If any of these organizations resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out, donate, or volunteer. Every act of generosity matters. Every dollar helps. And every child who benefits from your support is worth every bit of effort it takes to give.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the causes our family cares about.
With gratitude,
Kim Hughes