SINGLE MAMAS SEEN

CHRISTMAS TIME Volunteer Opportunities

BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK

Christmas 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 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

year. Visit https/www.gsnlive.org/ ivolunteer or call 317.842.2603 to sign up. Hurry! Spots fill up quickly.

CHRISTMAS REMOTE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Cards for Hospitalized Kids

This charitable organization brings smiles to kids’ faces who are in the hospital. People can make cards and they are sent to children’s hospitals in 50 states. TiTi and I love creating dazzling Christmas cards for them every year. To read the guidelines and where to send the cards, visit https/www. cardsforhospitalizedkids.com/makecards2.html or call (872) 395-1796.

The Angel Card Project

This charity event gives people the opportunity to spread Christmas cheer by making cards for the less fortunate. This is a holiday tradition TiTi and I started participating in last year. She likes putting stickers on cardstock. Once registered for the project, a list of those who love to receive cards will be e-mailed to you. You can make cards for them all or just a few. To learn more about this, visit https/www.theangelcardproject. com/volunteer-to-send-cards

What Christmas traditions do you participate in with your family members with exceptional needs? Let me know at christina.mcgairk@gmail.com.