Giving back in Gainesville

As the temperature and leaves begin to fall around Gainesville, many residents are hustling to hang festive decorations, stock up on holiday fixings and children are making their wish lists. These next two months are the favorite time of year for many. However, for those in need these chilly night can be the worst. I wanted to devote this blog to local organizations that do a little something extra to make the holiday season bright for everyone, whether it's making sure no one goes hungry for the holidays or that children are able to receive gifts.

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank
Each holiday season, Bread of the Mighty prepares holiday baskets filled with all of the traditional fixings needed for a delicious meal. BOTM is in need of both food donations (such as boxed stuffing, corn, rice and canned vegetables) and volunteers to help organize the food.  Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 325 NW 10th Ave. For more information call 336-0839 or visit www.breadofthemighty.org.


Salvation Army of Gainesville
During the holiday season, the Salvation Army is usually associated with the ringing of bells in front of local businesses. However, be sure not to overlook the other successful program--Salvation Army Angel Trees. In Gainesville trees are located in the J.C. Penney at the Oaks Mall, Walmart and Kmart stores. By adopting one or more of the "angels," you can donate toys to children who might not receive gifts otherwise.


14th Annual Holiday Traditions: A Musical Celebration to help STOP! Children’s Cancer
On December 12th, head out to the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 4:00 p.m. to enjoy a musical show supporting STOP! Children's Cancer, Inc. This organization works to prevent, control, and cure cancer in children. Tickets for the concert are $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12.

Haven Hospice of Florida: Kid's Holiday Shopping Night at the Attic

Created for children in need, the Haven Hospice Kids' Holiday Shopping Night at the Attic gives children the opportunity to purchase gifts for free for family members using “Attic Bucks.” Festivities will include gift wrapping, photos with Santa, punch and cookies—all free of charge. Haven Hospice is in need of donations of gift wraps, cookies, and punch by the first week in December. Last year 400 children attended, so this is a great event to help with! For more information visit www.havenhospice.org.



Children's Home Society of Florida
The Children's Home Society of Florida will be offering affordable gifts at their thrift shop, and is in need of toys for all ages, clothing, and any school supplies. Sixty volunteers are needed to help operate the thrift store and another 15 are needed to help sort out gift donations for their toy drive. More information can be found at www.cshfl.org.


Junior League of Gainesville: Winter Wonderland shopping eventThe Junior League of Gainesville, is a local organization that helps women in the community. This holiday season it is hosting its Winter Wonderland shopping event at its thrift shop, which will allow families to shop for gift items while their children are entertained with holiday activities. The Junior League is looking for gift items such as candles, jewelry, purses, clothing and toys, as well as craft supplies and gift wrap and will need them prior to the day of the event on December 8th. Proceeds from the Winter Wonderland event benefit other Junior League projects, including the Miracle on Main Street toy and bike giveaway, the Read with Me literacy project and Kids in the Kitchen healthy eating program. More information at www.gainesvillejrleague.org.

Home Van Pet Care Project
As the season takes a chilly turn, be sure to remember not only the local homeless, but their pets! The Home Van Pet Care Project delivers food, toys, and treats to local dogs and cats. They are in need of food donations and also anyone willing to deliver these donations to animals in the area and/or help take pets and their owners to veterinary clinics. For more information, contact Elizabeth Howard at holisticliz@hotmail.com




Toys for Tots
Last but not least is the Toys for Tots charity, which is the organization Pledge 5 is supporting with our upcoming Gainesville "Gifts" Back benefit show. On December 2nd, you can join us at The Warehouse in downtown Gainesville for a night of local musicians, comedians, dancers and contests. Free admission with a toy donation! Performers include Tom Sartori, the Top Physicians, Far Away Planes, and top competitive dance team i.dance. Our featured comedians are Tim Keck, Rudy Mendoza and JC Currais. Contests include the Jingle Bells FreeStyle, Holiday Interpretive Dance Contest, Human Christmas Tree Contest, and a Furby Impression Contest! So grab a friend and grab a toy, sit back and enjoy the show!

See you there,
The Pledge 5 Team