The holiday season is one of great joy, but we are continuously hearing moms struggle with how to balance the “me, me, me” mentality that often comes with this time of year. Just how do you show your family that the holidays are more than just what you get? True joy comes from what you give. We are excited to introduce 12 Days of Giving with Alamo City Moms Blog. We want to encourage the community of San Antonio to give back this December. It might be making cookies for a neighbor, buying dinner for a family at the table next to you while eating out, handing out candy canes at the mall to shoppers to spread holiday cheer, or giving to those in need through local not-for-profits.
To help you with some ideas, we’ve asked our contributors to share not-for-profit organizations in San Antonio that are near and dear to their hearts, and we will be featuring one through our social media channels each day for the next 12 days. To support these amazing not-for-profit organizations that are doing so much to help San Antonians every day, we have compiled a list of resources along with items specific to each organization that is currently needed. Not only would we love to see you all doing good deeds in your own neighborhoods, but we’d be honored if you would consider giving to these organizations each day of our 12 Days of Giving.
We are thrilled to take this post a step further and, with the help of Windflower, The Hill Country Spa at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, we’ll be recognizing two Alamo City Moms Blog readers that participate! We want to see your acts of giving—snap a photo and post to either Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and be sure to hashtag your photo with #ACMB12Days. Throughout the week, we’ll randomly pick two generous readers who will win “Toast the Season” Happy Hour spa services, music, cocktails, and appetizers at Windflower—The Hill Country Spa. Windflower’s “Toast the Season” Happy Hours are taking place each Thursday through December 18 from 6:00–9:00 P.M. and offer local patrons specially priced spa services, live acoustic music, seasonal cocktails, and tasty appetizers.
If you’d like to support an organization that helps mothers, families, and/or children in San Antonio, we encourage you to pick up one of the items for donation while you are out and about doing your holiday shopping or running errands and bring it to the location listed. Better yet, involve your children and show them how much joy can come from the act of giving! And again, be sure to snap a picture of it on your phone and post it using #ACMB12Days.[hr]
Day 1—Monday, December 8 :: San Antonio Food Bank
5200 Old Highway 90 West San Antonio, TX 78227
Drop-off times: Monday–Friday, 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. or bring to ACMB’s Coffee & Conversation on Monday, December 8 at 9:30 A.M. at Utopia Play Cafe
Needs: peanut butter, cereal, tuna, beans, rice, macaroni and cheese, chili, canned stews, canned soups, canned luncheon meats, full meals (can/box), pop top food items.
Why it’s important to Brooke: I have become involved with the work of the San Antonio Food Bank through their partnership with the Junior League of San Antonio. The San Antonio Food Bank distributes food to over 58,000 individuals each week. Thirty-six percent of their clients are children, under the age of 18—children who can’t help themselves. Their programs, like Kids Cafe and Summer Food Service Program, supply nutritious and healthy food to at-risk children in the San Antonio Community. They rely heavily on donations, and 98% of their resources go directly to their food distribution programs—an amazing percentage for a not-for-profit![hr]
Day 2—Tuesday, December 9 :: SA Reads
Website10730 Gulfdale Drive San Antonio, TX 78216
Drop-off times: Monday–Friday, 9:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Needs: paper shredder, copy machine, shelving for curriculum inventory, voice recorder, DSLR camera, paper cutters
Why it’s important to Celina: The joy of reading is a gift that keeps on giving. Help SAReads bestow that gift upon the children of San Antonio by giving to the SAReads’ Barnes and Noble Holiday Book Drive. Each weekend through December 21st you can visit your local Barnes and Noble Bookseller to meet the volunteers who support the mission of SAReads. These volunteers are committed to helping the children in our program achieve grade-level reading by the time they reach third grade. This time-frame is critical for students who struggle to read and who will continue to struggle to learn without specific intervention. One component to achieving this goal is access to books, which many children simply don’t have. Add a book to your purchase, and it will go directly into the hands of a local child. Help us create a culture of reading and bring the joy of reading to children in our community. [hr]
Day 3—Wednesday, December 10 :: Sunshine Cottage
Website603 East Hildebrand Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78212
Drop-off times: Monday–Wednesday 7:30 A.M.–3:30 P.M., Friday 7:30 A.M.–3:30 P.M.
Needs: gloves, socks, scarves (babies through 5th graders 10 or 11 years old), construction paper, water colors, card stock (white & colored), markers, children’s books
Why it’s important to Katy: Sunshine Cottage teaches hearing impaired children to live in a hearing world. My daughter is hearing impaired, and Sunshine Cottage had her fitted with her first hearing aid on the day she turned six months old. The three years we spent in the parent-infant program taught me how to help my child and made me and all-around better parent. Sunshine Cottage is a beacon of hope for parents in the lonely, scary position of having a child with a hearing impairment. It is a jewel in San Antonio’s non-profit crown.[hr]
Day 4—Thursday, December 11 :: Kendall County Women’s Shelter
Website930 N. School Street, Boerne, TX 78006
Drop-off times: Monday–Friday from 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
Needs: Wish List, cat litter for on-site pets
Why it’s important to Elizabeth: The mission of the Kendall County Women’s Shelter is to provide safe, emergency shelter in a supportive environment where Texas Hill Country victims of domestic violence and their children can begin the healing process and receive the support services they need to build new lives. I have long been aware of and troubled by the fact that domestic violence is a silent epidemic affecting nearly one in three women and some three million children in the U.S. alone. Because it is an issue cloaked in shame and fear, you may think you don’t know anyone affected by it, but chances are you do. Most domestic violence cases remain unreported, and I appreciate the work that Kendall County Women’s Shelter does to provide a safe haven and a fresh start for women and children affected by this abuse.[hr]
Day 5—Friday, December 12 :: Battered Women and Children’s Shelter
Website2617 N. Main San Antonio, Texas 78212
Drop-off times: Mondays 8:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. and Fridays from 8:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M.
Needs: toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, pads, tooth brushes, towels, blankets, deodorant)
Why it’s important to Maggie: Everyone experiences setbacks and loss and unexpected complications in life—some of us more than others. I’m grateful that none of my setbacks have left me in an unsafe living situation, but I know too many families whose story is different than mine. Crisis shelters like the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter (for families escaping domestic violence) provide a safe haven in the midst of turmoil. These are both situations where I feel powerless to help on my own, but know that as a community—through these organizations—we make the world a little safer and more manageable for people in need.[hr]
Day 6—Saturday, December 13 :: Haven for Hope
Website1 Haven for Hope Way, San Antonio, Texas 78207
Drop-off times: Saturday 10:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M., Monday–Friday 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. – look for the building with the large mural on it
Needs: New – Socks, Undergarments, Bottled water, Toiletries, Feminine Hygiene Products, Daily Planners, Diapers, Diapers wipes, Formula Snacks, Pull-Ups; New or Gently Used – Jackets, Shoes or Boots, Blankets, Linens, Infant “Footy” Pajamas, Pajamas, Onesies, Sweaters, Hoodies, Hats, Gloves, Clothing, Mattress & Box Spring Sets
Why it’s important to Candice: Haven For Hope is a safe haven for people who have fallen on hard times and are now homeless. Haven not only offers a safe place to sleep and get a good meal, but they make it their mission to help their residents get their independence back and acquire the skills they need to not only get off of the streets but stay off of the streets. They aid in job training and employment readiness, education, behavioral health, and spiritual services aimed at helping individuals experiencing homelessness gain stability.[hr]
Day 7—Sunday, December 14 :: Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas
Website205 W. Olmos Dr., San Antonio, TX 78212
Drop-off times: Monday–Friday 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M., Sunday 3:00–8:30 P.M.
Needs: art supplies, tissue boxes, Clorox wipes, chalk
Why it’s important to Christin: As a mother, there is no greater fear than the thought of losing your child or your spouse to an unexpected death or terminal illness. Loss will sadly affect us all at some point in our life; but for some families this reality comes far too soon. We are so very fortunate to have The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) in our community, where children and their families can go to heal. Their goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of their grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one. The CBCST offers private therapy sessions as well as seven peer support group programs based on the type of loss which bring together youth and families with similar experiences to help normalize feelings, share experiences, and grieve the death of a loved one. Peer support programs are open-ended and offered free of charge. Each group meets twice per month in our beautiful homelike setting, which provides a safe, nurturing environment conducive to healing.[hr]
Day 8—Monday, December 15 :: ChildSafe
Website7130 West U.S. Hwy. 90, San Antonio, Texas 78227
Drop-off times: Monday–Thursday 8:00 A.M.–8:00 P.M., Friday 8:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Needs: Santa Shop—toys, specifically for teenage children (10- to 18-year-olds), Wish List
Why it’s important to Katy: Imagine a child who makes an outcry of abuse and is required to relive the trauma by participating in the investigation and prosecution of his abuser. Imagine the challenge of convicting a child molester years after the crime, when the victim is not available or doesn’t look like the minor child who was abused. ChildSafe provides specialized services to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of child abusers and, more importantly, healing for the victims of these most despicable crimes.[hr]
Day 9—Tuesday, December 16 :: Thrive Youth Center
WebsiteDrop-off times: The Salon, 16902 Hwy 281 North, San Antonio, TX 78232 from 9am-5pm or Mecca Hair Studio, 201 Jackson Keller, San Antonio, TX 78216 from 10am-4pm.
Needs: toiletry items, towels, twin sheets, coffee, hot chocolate, packets of popcorn or packets of oatmeal
Why it’s important to Maggie: Everyone experiences setbacks and loss and unexpected complications in life – some of us more than others. I’m grateful that none of my setbacks have left me in an unsafe living situation, but I know too many families who’s story is different than mine. Crisis shelters like Thrive Youth Center (for homeless LGBT youth) provide a safe haven in the midst of turmoil. These are both situations where I feel powerless to help on my own, but know that as a community—through these organizations—we make the world a little safer and more manageable for people in need.[hr]
Day 10—Wednesday, December 17 :: Avance
118 N. Medina, 3rd Floor San Antonio, TX 78207
Drop-off times: Will be announced later this week.
Needs: Wish List
Why it’s important to Marisa: AVANCE San Antonio Serves over 5,000 low-income families in parenting and early childhood programs. The work they do is AMAZING. Very important resource for families who need support.[hr]
Day 11—Thursday, December 18 :: Elf Louise
WebsiteVarious locations and drop-off times
Needs: Wish List
Why it’s important to Lindsay: Elf Louise is a wonderful way to help others that can also involve your children. My son and I had a wonderful experience picking out a few toys for other children, and it was great to see him starting to understand the process of giving to others.[hr]
Day 12—Friday, December 19 :: Clarity Guidance Center
Website8535 Tom Slick San Antonio, Texas 78229
Drop-off times: Monday–Friday 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
Needs: art supplies of all kinds—markers, crayons, paints, pastels, construction paper, drawing paper, etc., sports equipment for outdoor play—footballs, basketballs, etc., packaged underwear, all sizes for ages 3–12, socks for all sizes
Why it’s important to Inga: I learned more about Clarity Child Guidance Center while interviewing Justice Luz Elena D. Chapa. She shared the story of her brother, who started experiencing schizophrenia symptoms as a teenager. Justice Chapa hopes that by talking about her family’s story, she can lower the stigma and encourage parents to seek help sooner. I can trace back my experience with depression to when I was a teenager. Clarity Child Guidance Center is a place for children to get treatment and also a source of reliable information.[hr]
There are a few other organizations that our contributors mentioned that are in most need of monetary donations. If you are looking to give back this way, here are a few ideas:
Reservations for services during Windflower—The Hill Country Spa’s “Toast the Season” are available to the public, and reservations are highly recommended as these events are sure to sell out. Contact the spa at 210-767-5577 to ensure you don’t miss your chance to primp, polish, and relax your way into the holidays.
