Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

And, at this time of year, how often have we as parents dutifully reminded our children of the need for gratitude and good manners? We say, “It’s better to give than receive. It’s the thought that counts. And, give your Great Aunt Mavis a thank you hug even though you’re 15 and stopped wearing Thomas the Tank Engine pajamas when you were five.”

Gratitude and giving go hand in hand. Learn valuable life lessons as a family by working together to help others this holiday season and year round. Check out this list for great ways to team up and help out charitable efforts in central Arkansas.

ACCESS

Support ACCESS school’s mission to help individuals with learning and language disabilities at its ACCESS Gardens and Ceramics Holiday Sale, this Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 a.m.-sold out at ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Campus, 10618 Breckenridge Drive in Little Rock.

Arrive early because items sell out fast. Some lines available this year include: Santa Is Coming To Town, Monet’s Lillies, and Shoot for the Stars.

Arkansas Foodbank

Contact Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Polly Deems for family volunteer opportunities at 569-4320 or PDeems@ArkansasFoodbank.org.

Contact Food Drive Coordinator Erica Mcfadden, at 569-4311 or EMcfadden@ArkansasFoodbank.org for food drive information or collect food as a family. Key items include canned meats, peanut butter, cereals, canned veggies and fruits, pasta and sauces.

Centers for Youth and Families

Call 666-8686 or go to CentersForYouthAndFamilies.org for more information on needed items or to schedule a delivery. For children ages 5-17: White t-shirts, socks, underwear, hats and gloves, board games, and art supplies. For children infant to age three: Diapers, formula, wipes, onesies, socks, pajamas, and blankets.

Methodist Family Health

For volunteer options or to donate, contact Jamie Griffith at JGriffith@MethodistFamily.org or 906-4209.

• Shop for and donate items on the Christmas wish lists of children ages 5-17 in MFH residential programs.

• Wrap Christmas presents already donated for children in MFH care.

• Join other families, neighbors or church groups to host a Christmas party for residents in one of the many Methodist Family Health programs or locations.

• Make a donation to MFH in honor or in memory of a loved one (MethodistFamily.org).

Soles for Souls

Little Rock Christian Academy’s 8th grade Leadership class is leading a project to collect shoes for an organization called Soles for Souls. This non-profit provides shoes to people throughout the world that will improve their safety, health, and ability to care for themselves.

This effort does not require anyone to buy anything or contribute any money. Just look around your home and donate shoes that your family has outgrown or doesn’t use. Any type of footwear is accepted (boots, cleats, flip flops, tennis shoes, etc.) regardless of condition. Soles for Souls will clean them all up, make any needed repairs, and get them to the people who need them.

If you or your church/business/organization would like to have a collection box at your location, please contact Charles.Chamblee@LittleRockChristian.com. LRCA staff will pick up the donation boxes on December 13.

Youth Home

For information on Youth Home’s Dove Tree program or to arrange pick up of items, contact Larry Betz at 821-5500, ext. 209 or YouthHome.org.

Youth Home needs art supplies, athletic socks, ball caps, balls, batteries, books, coats, decks of cards, gloves, hats, scarves, hair accessories, jackets, jeans, make up, pajamas, puzzles, stuffed animals, sweat pants, sweat shirts, and toiletry items.

United Way

The Heart of Arkansas United Way and Playtime Pizza are teaming up for the 9th Annual Children’s Christmas Luncheon. Over 450 underprivileged children from the Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County Special School Districts will enjoy a festive holiday event. Each child will receive a wrapped gift, a stuffed animal, and a Playtime Pizza game card from United Way. Playtime Pizza will serve a traditional Christmas lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 12.

Kids will be entertained with Christmas songs, a magic show by Derrick Rose, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child also has the opportunity to talk to Santa and have their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tom Brannon with Today’s THV will be the emcee for the event.

Jo Lynn Short, Volunteer Center Director of Heart of Arkansas United Way, states, “For many children, Christmas is just another day of the week. We want to let these children know that they are special. We aren’t just giving them a toy—we are giving these kids V.I.P. treatment. We hope that this event will create happy holiday memories for all the children who attend.”

For more information on this and other efforts contact Heart of Arkansas United Way at 376-4567 or HeartARUW.org.

(Looking for more ideas? Check out Holiday Volunteering: 7 Places to Give Your Time, Donate)