By: Phillip Heilman
When the calendar turns to December, the only thing sweeter than candy canes and gingerbread cookies is the feeling that comes from helping others. That’s especially true during this season of giving as we come together to do good at the end of a difficult year. Doing good doesn’t always mean making monetary donations. It can also mean volunteering or being a customer. Below are four organizations to consider supporting this holiday season.
Rethreaded
Looking for a handmade gift this year? Rethreaded, a nonprofit based in Jacksonville that provides on-site job training programs for human trafficking survivors, has plenty to choose from. Employees use upcycled materials to produce high-quality merchandise such as purses, bracelets, earrings and more. Each purchase helps women affected by human trafficking and provides additional employment opportunities at Rethreaded.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Food banks help make the holidays more enjoyable for individuals and families in need, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida covers a lot of ground. Through their work last year, more than 70 million meals were distributed across Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. If you live in Northeast Florida and want to make a difference in your community, please visit www.feedingnefl.org to find out how you can help.
Partnership for Strong Families
Every child deserves to be happy and healthy. Not just during the holidays, but always. Partnership for Strong Families, which is based in Gainesville and serves counties in North Central Florida, provides child welfare services designed to protect children from abuse, neglect and abandonment. They also assist in establishing safe and permanent homes for children with their own families, partner families or adoptive parents.
K9s for Warriors
VyStar was founded to help military members and their families, which is why we value other organizations that do the same. Ponte Vedra-based K9s for Warriors trains rescue dogs to help veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other challenges associated with military service. K9s for Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for disabled veterans and comes at no cost to these American heroes.
Museum of Science & History
Focused on bringing to life the sciences and local history, the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) has inspired a passion for learning and curiosity in children and adults since 1941. With hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, MOSH has become a Northeast Florida landmark due to its planetarium, interactive exhibits and more.
Groundwork Jacksonville
Getting to enjoy the outdoors is one of the great parts of living in our community, and Groundwork Jacksonville wants to keep it that way. Their work in spots such as Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek and the Emerald Trail helps protect the environment and improve the lives of local residents in a meaningful way.
The information in this blog consists of the opinions and ideas of the author alone and should be used for informational purposes only. VyStar Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided.