SINGLE MAMAS SEEN
CHRISTMAS TIME Volunteer Opportunities BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK
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hristmas time is here. Time for happiness and cheer. Well, for some. As parents of exceptional needs humans, we know that the holiday season can be stressful for them. The bright twinkling lights, loud holiday music playing in crowded stores, gingerbread and pine scents wafting in the air are just some of the triggers than can send our sensitive loved ones into sensory overload. I wanted to do the same traditions with TiTi that my parents did with me. Like watching the tree lighting in downtown Indianapolis or going to a Disney On Ice show. But I know the crowds and lights would bother her. So I had to become creative. I thought what could a single mother with an exceptional needs child do around Christmas time? Then, the idea came to me. We
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can spread love and cheer! Yes, being a single parent of a child with exceptional needs can be trying, but there are people who are less fortunate than us. My daughter and I are very blessed and I thought it would be wonderful to share our blessed life with others. So I will share some Christmas volunteer opportunities that TiTi and I have done or will do in the future. Maybe you may find one that you want to participate in locally or remotely. CHRISTMAS ON-SITE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: NEAR EASTSIDE Westminster Neighborhood Services
This non-profit organization serves families by meeting educational, health, and food needs. Every year volunteers gather together to
assemble Christmas baskets for families in need. The baskets include two weeks of groceries, hygiene items, winter wear such as gloves and hats for an entire family, and Christmas gifts for each child. If you would like to volunteer, please call 317-632-9785 or visit https/ www.westmin.org/get-involved. FISHERS Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County
This not-for-profit helps the residents of Hamilton County all year round, but especially during the Holidays. The first week of December hundreds show up at the 4H Fairgrounds in Noblesville to deliver toys for kids and food for the elderly, shut-ins, and families in need. TiTi and I absolutely love doing this every
