It’s hard to believe that 2019 is drawing to a close and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. As the holidays approach, remember that the best way to give thanks is by giving back! 

Community service is so important; it can help you connect with your neighbors and people in your community who you may not have crossed paths with before; it can remind you how much you have to be thankful for; and most of all, it can make a real difference in someone’s life who needs a helping hand. Read on to see some ways to give back to the community in Deer Park this holiday season, and have fun with your family while doing it! 

Raise Money for a Good Cause

If you’re passionate about a charitable organization or cause, hosting a fundraiser can be a great way to raise money and awareness among your social circle. At Skate World Deer Park, we make hosting group events easy with public and private party packages to accommodate any type of event. 

From something as small as collecting canned food donations at a birthday party to renting out our entire skating rink for a private fundraiser party with food, entertainment, raffles, and silent auctions, don’t be afraid to step up and be the change you want to see in the world. 

Roller skating fundraisers are a great way to attract attention and get your supporters excited about the event, not to mention the fact that people are more likely to feel generous when they’re having a good time! 

Help End Hunger 

For most of us, Thanksgiving is a “stretchy pants” day when we indulge in favorite foods with our closest family and friends. However, for many people the holidays are a time of added food insecurity. While it’s hard to believe that anyone could be going hungry in our communities, the sad truth is that over 724,000 people struggle with food insecurity in the Greater Houston area. The food insecurity rate is actually 4% higher than the national average, clocking in at 16.6%. 

With that in mind, why not enlist your family, friends, and neighbors to lend a hand in the fight against hunger this holiday season? There are lots of ways to get involved, from collecting and sorting canned food donations, to preparing meals for seniors, to serving food at shelters. Find your nearest food pantry and learn how you can volunteer as an individual or with a group.

Spread the Love

As important as monetary donations and physical gifts can be, one of the best ways to give back to the community is by sharing your time and energy. These are some fun and fulfilling ways to spread the love this holiday season by volunteering.  

• Read to kids at the library or elderly patients in nursing homes. 
• Help out at the local animal shelter or rescue. You don’t have to be able to adopt or foster; even just taking shelter dogs on a walk or playing with kittens can make a big difference in their socialization and adoptability. 
• Join a mentoring program like Big Brothers Big Sisters Houston. 
• Enlist your band, choir, improv group, or interpretive dance troupe to perform at a nursing home, children’s hospital, or domestic violence shelter.