I said just the other day to a group that this was coming up on my favorite time of year. This time of year brings more joy and personal rewards to me than any other quarter all year long. But it comes at an expense. The expense is the personal struggles and challenges so many of our neighbors face this time of year. It's because of the help that ACO provides to these families that I LOVE the holiday season, know the true meaning of giving and receiving, and find joy.
Don't get me wrong- I love the wonderful food and homemade recipes that come to our table at Thanksgiving and Christmas in my family. I enjoy shopping and choosing gifts for those I love, and I enjoy decorating my home for the holidays! But I know that there are many who don't have these opportunities or luxuries. Putting any food on the table is a hardship, paying high heating bills and the mounding debt at this time of year can be overwhelming. It's providing assistance and relief to these folks that bring the true joy and rewards in my life and to those of my coworkers.
But we need you to help us bring joy and stability to these families facing hardships. I promise you it will bring YOU joy as well. Here's how you, your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors can get involved- how you can bring joy!
- Make a financial gift online at www.acocares.org to ensure that a family is able to stay in their home this season. Or watch your mailboxes for our holiday campaign mailers and donation envelopes and return them for a tax-deductible donation.
- Donate food items to the ACO Food Pantry to help us feed local families and make sure that everyone has a memorable holiday dinner and children have full tummies this winter.
- Buy a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Collin County Toys For Tots. ACO will be assisting as the toy distribution agency for Allen ISD area families.
- Volunteer your time. We have so many needs for volunteers to help stock pantry shelves, work in our resale stores and warehouse to sort items, and to help distribute toys.
- For more details on all of the above, visit ACO's website at acocares.org.
I promise, by getting involved and giving during the holiday season it will become your favorite time of year too!
ONE MORE THING....thank you! Thanks to the 400+ attendees of the Mayor's Bash in September. What a crazy, fun night to celebrate our community and helping others while enjoying great food and drink, terrific music and social time to mix and mingle. Together we made a difference in many lives with the funds raised that evening. Thanks to all who made it possible- YOU ROCK!
