Merry Christmas Eve Eve, friends! In true “pregnancy brain” fashion, I had a realization earlier today that while I talked about some different organizations, ministries, and ways to give back this season on Instagram stories, I totally forgot to compile that list into a permanent place here on the blog like I had mentioned. I legitimately feel like I’ve been on overdrive the past month or so and that was just a total oversight on my part.
Of course, giving back and helping others doesn’t have to be boxed into the holiday season. I know that we think about it a lot more around this time, but it’s something our family personally plans to work on even more throughout the new year. Today, I”m going to list out several organizations and ministries that are near to mine and Luke’s heart and that we like to support. I’m also adding in a few other recommendations that were sent over to me on Instagram. While we certainly can’t meet every need around us, finding ways to get involved and support others who are struggling or maybe are less fortunate than we are, is such a great way to share Christ’s love and give back during the holiday season.
As always, do your own research about charities you plan to support, but if you’re feeling a tug at your heart strings to give back in some way, here are a few organizations that Luke ideas personally love:
Lighthouse Christian Camp: This is a ministry here in Tennessee that Luke and I discovered through our church. They do summer camps and year round ministries that include: After School Clubs, Weekend Retreats, Special Events and Christmas Parties. They aim to “minister to disadvantaged children and share that there is hope, life, love, light and truth in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Compassion International: Compassion’s goal is to “release children from poverty in Jesus name.” I truly love this organization and believe in the global work they are doing. Whether you want to sponsor a child or donate to more specific needs such as, purchasing livestock for a family (to meet income and nutritional needs), providing medical care for a pregnant woman and/or babies who may not have access otherwise, educational needs, etc., there are many ways to get involved and find a particular cause that means the most to you.
Salvation Army Angel Tree: You can do this on a national or local level. The Angel Tree for Nashville is actually all finished for this year, but there are still ways to support the Salvation Army. I’m linking to Nashville’s page, but it’s easy to search for your own city. The Angel Tree is something I love to support and have done so since I was little. It breaks my heart to think of a child not having a toy, be it big or small, to play with on Christmas morning.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: This is an organization that is particularly close to our hearts as this time last year, Luke’s mom was battling Lymphoma. While she is currently cancer free and we praise God for His healing power and that blessing, we still strongly believe in supporting this cause and the work they are doing for those affected by blood cancer.
Here is a list of a few other organizations that were recommended for me to share:
Operation Song: This organization’s mission “is to empower veterans, active duty military, and their families to tell their stories through the process of songwriting.”
TN Kids Belong: An organization based here in Tennessee that aims to “empower and equip leaders in the government, business, faith based and creative sectors to end the crisis for kids in foster care.” This organization is based right here in Tennessee. You’ve heard me talk about Well Dressed Nashville before? I’ve been a seller for the past several sales and my friend Bonnie, the creator of WDN, partners with TN Kids Belong to help support their mission with a portion of the profits from the sale.
Dolly’s Imagination Library: Gifts books to children ages 0-5 in different communities around the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
Bound By Blue: A non-profit organization that provides community, education, and support to law enforcement families.
Meeting the needs of those right in your own area is a great way to support and give back to others this holiday season and anytime. Giving time is also a very impactful way to give back and support others. Checking with church leaders to see if there is a family need within your church, volunteering to hand out meals, running treats up to workers at the hospital/first responders who are working over the holidays, helping elderly neighbors with yard work, etc.
I challenge you, as I challenge myself, to try and find ways to minister to others and share Christ’s love. During a time when it’s so easy to get caught up in the frivolity of gifts, baked goodies, lights, and movies, let’s make sure to keep our eyes set on things above and helping others in any way that we can, whether that is big or small.
Feel free to message me or drop a comment with any other organizations you’d like to suggest I add to this list. How fun would it be to keep this list going not just during the holiday season. Merry Christmas. xoxo.
