It’s the Season of Giving

Published December 7, 2021

When the calendar turns to December, the only thing sweeter than candy canes and gingerbread is the feeling that comes from helping others. That’s especially true during this season of giving as we come together to do good at the end of a difficult year.

Doing good doesn’t always mean making monetary donations. It can also mean volunteering or becoming a customer. Here are six organizations to consider supporting this holiday season.

Rethreaded

Looking for a handmade gift this year? Rethreaded has plenty to choose from. The Jacksonville-based nonprofit provides job training programs and employment for human trafficking survivors. Rethreaded uses upcycled materials to produce stylish, high-quality merchandise — from handbags and jewelry to pet toys and the leather-bound journals we commissioned for our employees in 2020. Each purchase helps women affected by human trafficking to build a new life.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Food banks help make the holidays happier for individuals and families in need, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida covers a lot of ground. Last year, they distributed more than 70 million meals across Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. If you live in Northeast Florida and want to make a difference in your community, visit www.feedingnefl.org to find out how you can help.

Partnership for Strong Families

Every child deserves to be happy and healthy — not just during the holidays, but always. Gainesville’s Partnership for Strong Families, which serves counties in North Central Florida, provides child welfare services that protect children from abuse, neglect and abandonment. They also help children find safe and permanent homes with their own families, partner families or adoptive parents.

K9s for Warriors

VyStar was founded to help military members and their families, which is why we commend other organizations that do the same. Ponte Vedra-based K9s for Warriors trains rescue dogs to help veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other challenges associated with military service. K9s for Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for disabled veterans at no cost to these American heroes.

Museum of Science & History

Focused on bringing the sciences and local history to life, the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) has inspired a passion for learning and curiosity in children and adults since 1941. With hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, MOSH has become a Northeast Florida landmark thanks to its planetarium, interactive exhibits and more.

Groundwork Jacksonville

Enjoying the outdoors is one of the best things about living in our community, and Groundwork Jacksonville wants to keep it that way. Their work in spots such as Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek and the Emerald Trail helps protect the environment and improve the lives of local residents in a meaningful way.

The content provided in this blog consists of the opinions and ideas of the author alone and should be used for informational purposes only. VyStar Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided.