As we feel the fall crisp air in most parts of the country, we are all getting excited about the holidays and have high expectations of seeing family and friends, sharing some home cooking along with a few seasonal beverages. It is a great time of the year and I strongly believe we should gather for good food and laughter.
It is also the time of year when many families all across the country are still struggling without food and shelter, wondering how they are going to feed their children and praying for support. We cannot ignore these families that need our help. To me, the only way I can really enjoy a good time with my family is if I feel I have done my part to provide for others at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the cold of winter.
Now is the time for each of us to spend some time planning our giving pledges for our favorite charity or individual leading the effort to help others. Over the next several weeks I will highlight a few organizations that are planning great programs for the holidays and the New Year.
One of the first nonprofit organizations I highlighted when I started my Third Act endeavor is the Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, Michigan. They are a great organization that does their part to help others every day of the year. Pastor Clark and his team of helpers are busy planning for the holidays. I talked to Kyle Couch, Director of Development, earlier this week and he said the team is getting organized to try to help as many men, women, and children as possible.
Please consider participating in two great programs at GCH that will help many that are struggling to find food and love during this holiday season.
First, when you visit the GCH website you will instantly see a banner for the upcoming Night of Hope virtual auction Thursday, November 18, at 7 pm. All you have to do is register for the auction and the good folks at GCH will send you an invitation to the event. I expect there will be plenty of good stuff to pick up with your donation. They will also have some great raffles that will provide an opportunity for a nice dinner and a shopping spree.
The other great program that everybody young and old can join to help families can be found on the GCH website under Meal Tickets. For $2.17, a meal ticket will buy one meal and hope for a man, woman, or child. Or you can buy several meals for GCH residents through the many options provided on the site. This program is a great way for a family, team, business, school, or church to help those in need.
Grace Centers of Hope
Website: https://www.gracecentersofhope.org
Contact: Kyle Couch (Director of Development): kcouch@gracecentersofhope.org
Finally, it is kind of amazing to look back and remember the blog I wrote describing the great programs at GCH in the summer of 2020. If you would like to take a fresh look at this organization please check out ‘Diamond Among the Rubble: Grace Centers of Hope, July 15, 2020.
All the best to you and your family,
Roger N. Steed
