Publisher's Note:
Before we get in to ways to give back, we just want to give acknowledgement of a few things. We realize that not everyone may be in a spot where they can give back a lot this year and that is okay, and you are definitely not alone. There are many great resources available to help out this holiday season.
If you find yourself in need of help making sure Santa knows what your family needs this year, USPS has a great operation going on. Have your child mail their letter to Operation Santa no later than December 10th for it to be posted on the USPS adoption page.
If you need it, the address to Santa’s residence is
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888
Someone will adopt your letter (please click here to sign up to read letters and adopt one!) *Please note there is no guarantee that the letter will be adopted, as this is all volunteer based, but the more awareness we raise, the more likely we'll have volunteers, so make sure to share!
If you find yourself in need of other assistance this season, again please know that you are not alone. Calling 211 is a great place to start to get the resources you need for this season of life. May everyone feel warmth and joy as we close out this year and start a new one!
Now, if you do find yourself in a great position to give this year, this is for you. I often find that the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving is by making thanks and providing gifts to those who need it most.
Here is a list of 4 ways to give back locally in the Mason/Eaton Rapids area this year.
Fill Up a Food Pantry!
Do you have extra canned goods taking up space in your cupboards? Can you fill your shopping cart with an extra item or two before you check out? Donate food or funds to the Mason Food Bank. Every little bit helps! If you would like to make a food donation to help with the community, please call (517) 676-2563 to arrange a time to drop it off. An appointment is required to receive a donation. In Holt, you can donate to the Holt Community Food bank or volunteer your time for one of their many services. The provide food for over 150 families a month and run by just volunteers, so help is always welcome. If you or your group is interested in volunteering or project work, please contact (517) 694-9307, or send an email to holtfoodbank@gmail.com.
The Mason Holt Eagles are also funning at Holiday Food Drive on December 24th from 12PM to 6PM. You can drop off a non-perishable food donation to 1111 N. Cedar Mason, MI 48854.
Purchase and Donate a Specific Item for Local Animals
Do you have Amazon points built up from holiday shopping? Or maybe you have some extra cat or dog food that you could donate to the shelter. The Ingham County Animal Shelter has an Amazon Wish List, as well as a Top Five Donation Idea list- including Cheez Whiz, canned cat food, paper towel, and collars and leashes. I know that we have a couple our puppy has already grown out of and will be sending their way. The shelter provides care for over 3500 animals per year, so any item donated is very much appreciated!
Donate to the Library Fund
Do you love to read? Do you love Historic places? Consider making a monetary donation to the Mason Historic Library Renovation Project. They are looking to improve accessibility, create a teen space and offer a reading area with a working fireplace. You can read more about the renovations here.
Give A Kid a Christmas
Provide a Christmas gift to a child living in the Holt area. Stop by one of the following locations and take a tag from a Wish Tree by THIS FRIDAY, December 10th.
Union Bank in Dimondale
Dart Bank in Holt
Rams Barber Shop
Great Lakes State Agency in Holt
Holt United Methodist Church
Volz Family Chiropractic
Holt High School
Granger Construction
Items can also be purchased from their Amazon Wish List, or you can volunteer to help at an event or to sort inventory by contacting (517) 694-1230, or email volunteer@giveakidprojects.org
If you are an organization that would like to be included in this list, please contact me here. If you have an event you would like to add to our calendar, you can also email me or submit it here.
