Giving back during the holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which means there’s no better time to give back to your local community. Spread holiday cheer by helping these organizations this season and beyond.

Children’s Advocacy Center Holland

Children’s Advocacy Center provides child-centered prevention, advocacy and team intervention in investigation, assessment and treatment of child sexual abuse inclusive of all children and families. There are many ways to get involved, including donating to Cora’s Care Closet, which meets the emergency needs of the children and non-offending family members that the center serves. It provides immediate access to brand-new clothing, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, furniture, baby items, school supplies and more — free of charge.

Children’s Advocacy Center
12125 Union St., Holland
616-393-6123
cac-ottawa.org

Kids’ Food Basket

Holland

Kid’s Food Basket nourishes children living at or near the poverty level with critical evening meals to level the playing field for their academic achievement. It equips children and families with greater access to fresh, locally grown food, helping build a more vibrant, healthier West Michigan. There are a variety of ways to give back to Kid’s Food Basket, including decorating, assembling and delivering Sack Suppers, and sending holiday cards. For more information on volunteering, check out the Kids’ Food Basket’s website.

Kids’ Food Basket
389 James St., Holland
616-796-8471
kidsfoodbasket.org

The Salvation Army

Grand Haven

The Salvation Army’s mission shines the brightest at Christmas. Through programs like Angel Tree, Adopt-a-Family, family gift baskets and others, The Salvation Army works to make sure that children in every family circumstance have a reason for joy on Christmas morning and hope through each new year.

Its 2019 Angel Tree Toy Drive has already kicked off. Businesses and organizations are invited to sign up online to host an Angel Tree site and collect toys to help brighten the holidays for families in need.

The Salvation Army
310 N. Despelder St., Grand Haven
616-842-3380
centralusa.salvationarmy.org/grandhaven

Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance

Douglas

Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance alleviates the pain and suffering of homeless pets by providing shelter and veterinary care, and its goal is to ultimately secure permanent, loving homes for animals in need. 

Volunteer opportunities include walking, exercising and playing with animals; helping with care and feeding; cleaning; transporting animals to appointments, other rescues and shelters; helping at the Wishbone House in the thrift shop; and many more. Check out the website for more volunteer opportunities.

Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance
165 Blue Star Highway, Douglas
269-455-5247
wishbonepetrescue.org