Non-Profit Organizations You Can Help During the Holidays
The
holiday season is right around the corner. This is the time of the year that
you can donate time or money to help families in need. In this week’s blog, we
will feature a few non-profit organizations in the Lake area that could use
volunteers to help make the holidays special for several people in our
community.
In 2004 a group of volunteers opened a Youth Center in
Greenview to serve the West Side of the Lake in Camden County. It quickly
became apparent that there was also a big need for food for the youth and their
families.
In 2005, Share the Harvest Food Pantry and Thrift Store
was established by a community group that recognized a need to provide food to
families and was dedicated to addressing the need. In the first month, Share the
Harvest Food Pantry served 100.
Realizing resources were not enough to sustain the
pantry, the thrift store was opened in order to provide income to help sustain
the pantry. In 2007, Share the Harvest Food Pantry was awarded several private
grants and was able to hire a director and purchase property for the facility.
As the organization continued to grow, additional space
for the pantry was needed. In 2009, a Neighborhood Assistance Program Grant
from the State of Missouri was awarded to construct a new 13,000 square foot
building to replace the two small buildings on the property. Construction began
in 2010 and was completed with the help of many volunteers in 2011.
After receiving a grant for a 30’ x 75’ tunnel garden in
2013, a garden was immediately planted, enabling the pantry to provide fresh
produce for many families the same year.
The Food Pantry is open three days a week and one evening
to make it more convenient for our clients unable to come during the day.
The Thrift Store is open six days a week and one evening.
The CCCAC provides support to Area Schools, Children's
Division, Family Support Division, Foster Parents, and individuals and families
referred by various community agencies.
Programs that are provided throughout the year:
Christmas is Sharing, Arts in the Park, Trivia Night,
Coats for Kids, Lice Treatment Program, Emergency Dental for Children,
Scholarships for graduating Seniors of Horizons/Alternative Schools in the
Camdenton School District, Miscellaneous Grants to individual needy children
for things such as sending an autistic child to summer camp, new eyeglasses for
children, or to buy new clothing for children when the Thrift Store does not
have their correct size in stock. Clothing and household items are also
provided to those in need when referred to by the Family Support Division,
Children's Division or a civic organization.
CADV/VOC established in 1984, is a non-profit
organization that provides crisis intervention, shelter, advocacy, and support
to victims of domestic and sexual violence. The highly committed Board of
Directors, staff, and volunteers provide the information, tools, resources, and
support that empower victims to make and sustain positive choices in their
lives. These changes lead to the happiness and security of a life free from
violence.
Volunteers are crucial to the CADV. If you are interested
in volunteering, we have several positions available. Each position does
require training and a criminal background check.
As you can see, we have nonprofits that provide amazing
services for people in need. The holidays can be a tough time for some people,
by donating time or funds to any of these organizations could help turn
someone’s life to the positive. The Lake West Chamber is proud to be part of a
community that gives back year after year. If you are interested in
volunteering to a specific organization, contact the Chamber staff and we get
you in contact with the organization.
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