FLORIDA MOM MAGAZINE - June '08 - The Passion of GivingBy: Robert Candler Photos: Carrie-Lynn Smith
 You’re busy. You’re always on the go. There are not enough hours in the day, and definitely not enough days in the week to get it all done, plus give more time to charity?! Sure you bought those boxes of Girl Scout cookies, coached your little one’s soccer team, and threw a few dollars in the collection plate, but you’ve always wanted to give some more. How do others get it all done and still have time to step up to the plate and volunteer? You have to find your niche and enjoy the precious time that you do give.
Did you realize the fantastic opportunities that are out there? There are countless, well-deserving charities that would be a terrific match to your talents and time availability. Take a chance, find your worthwhile cause, help your community, and feed your soul, through the passion of giving.
The Clara White Mission’s ‘Miracle on Ashley Street’, is just one example of a wonderful charity to plug into. Ju’Coby Pittman, Clara White’s CEO, has rallied the North East Florida community to help feed the homeless. Actually, she’s taken it one step further. With the support of businesses such as Winn Dixie, WJXT, and Citi Group, she’s created a culinary school to help lift the homeless out of their situation. The program takes the ‘needy’ individuals and gives them the skills of food preparation and food service, over an 18-week course. Through her community business relations, Ju’Coby is able to place the culinary school graduates into full time jobs, making them active members of society again. She is not only feeding the hungry, but she is teaching them how to regain their self-esteem, as well as giving them their lives back.
Are you starting to be intrigued? Have you heard of the Annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza? This local wintertime favorite supports the Ronald McDonald house, the Jacksonville Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, as well as numerous other local charities. The South Point Rotary club sponsors the event, which is on its way to raise over $100,000 each year for these local causes. To become a gingerbread ‘Home Builder,’ one is asked to help raise funds to sponsor their ‘home,’ and to help promote the extravaganza. The event is fun for families of all ages, and
don’t forget to have your picture taken with Gingee, the live gingerbread man.
 Ok, you’re starting to see the unique opportunities that are out there. You can see how people can free up some precious time, by giving back to a cause that not only supports the community, but that you enjoy as well. So far, we’ve talked about culinary schools, and making gingerbread homes. Maybe you like the building process, but not necessarily with the food aspect. Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make a decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races, and religions, to build houses together in partnerships with families in need. So grab that paintbrush, hammer, and saw, and help build a new home for a deserving family, while making new friends and fulfilling your heart at the same time.
You probably didn’t realize the entire world of opportunity that is just around the corner. You’ve always wanted to give that little extra, and there are so many ways to do it, locally. From Clara White’s feeding of the homeless, to Habitat for Humanities home-building for needy families, these are just two examples of ways to plug yourself into the community. Find your niche. Find a group that you enjoy, and that you feel you can match your talents to, and then go for it. You will make a difference, while experiencing exponential dividends. Check www.charity-charities.org and choose your location to find a worthwhile cause near you. |
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