'Tis the Season to Give Back: How You Can Give More Than Just a Gift This Year
The Holiday Season is filled with opportunities to make memories with our loved ones around full tables and long gift lists. But for the most vulnerable in our community, the season that should bring joy can amplify struggles felt year-round to new heights.
While blessing those we love is exhilarating for the giver and receiver, seeking out ways to serve the community, in ways big or small, can create a deeper connection to the community and meet real needs. And while they may not seem as obvious as other places across the state and nation, those needs are prevalent and pressing in the Brazos Valley.
There are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of organizations dedicated to serving the homeless, at-risk, and survivors of various injustices in our community, and they need an extra hand this time of year more than any other.
Twin City Mission has been at the forefront of serving men, women, children, and families in our community since 1963. Director of Development Lindsey Smart says that when those not in the community-service space daily step up to offer time or monetary donations, the whole community reaches its full potential.
“I believe volunteering makes the community what a community can be,” Smart said. “If you don’t partner the families and the for-profit businesses with the non-profit businesses, your community doesn’t thrive.”
Smart moved to the Brazos Valley from Los Angeles seven years ago and originally began volunteering with Twin City Mission during that difficult transition. Now, she helps oversee the fundraising and development side of the organizations five programs: homeless services, housing services, domestic violence services, family support services, and donation and resale services.
During the holidays, Twin City Mission’s services are taken to the next level. From a Thanksgiving feast to providing Christmas gifts, the organization seeks to make sure that everyone in their care can find some joy despite their circumstances.
There are many ways to serve during this time of year, from taking a shift at the community kitchen to serving in one of the mission’s four retail stores, but Smart says the Christmas gift program, which serves between 400500 clients each year, is a great way to get the whole family involved.
“People that have done it in the past really love that they can take their kids out and have them be part of the experience,” Smart said. “Many of our clients wouldn’t have Christmas if somebody in the community didn’t link arms with us and take care of that.”
Another organization, the Brazos Valley Food Bank, is celebrating 40 years of service to the community this year. BVFB Executive Director Theresa Mangapora says those facing food insecurity are reminded of that fact in additional ways this time of year.
“In addition to normal daily demands, we are faced with societal demands of attending and hosting get togethers, oftentimes centered around food, resources, like time and funds, are stretched thin,” Mangapora said. “Pair these demands with current high food prices and tariffs making some gifts even more expensive than normal, and things are tight.”
Each December, they benefit from the Food for Families Food Drive hosted by KBTX, one of the largest hunger prevention campaigns in the area that meets needs just in time for the holidays. Mangapora says the event is special because groups from across all walks of life, like schools, cyclists, Rucker groups, classic car and bike clubs, and local businesses, rally around the cause.
“Food for Families is an annual treasure of the Brazos Valley,” Mangapora said. “Neighbors want to join KBTX in helping their neighbors because through stories and their efforts, it is clear that food is a basic need and no one in the Brazos Valley should go hungry.”
Whether service and giving back are already an annual tradition for you and your family, or you’re considering it for the first time, donating your time, talent, or treasure goes a long way toward making the Holiday season brighter for everyone in our community. And you might just find added benefits for yourself.
“It has a way of balancing you,” Smart said. “It has a way of offering perspective. I would say to anybody in the community that is in a transition or looking to have a life shift, the best medicine for that is to get outside yourself. Find an organization that matters to you, find a cause that matters to you, and put some time there.”
