We’re getting into the Thanksgiving spirit at Saddle Creek Orthodontics, with just a handful of days left to cross off the calendar until it’s finally here, bringing with it tables full of delicious food and quality time spent with family and friends. Sadly, not all Memphians will be sitting down to turkey with their nearest and dearest next Thursday. Some are far away from family, some are struggling with limited means, and some will be looking for something as simple as a place to sleep that night.
Since Thanksgiving is, at its heart, a time for us to reflect on what we’re grateful for, it’s also the perfect time to give back to our community. Below, we’ve collected a variety of volunteer opportunities happening across Memphis in the coming weeks. It’s our hope that you and your family will consider serving in our city alongside each other as part of your celebrations this holiday season!
Red Tub Day
Saddle Creek Orthodontics is proud to partner with Memphis Family Connection Center (MFCC) to provide free orthodontic treatment to foster children living in Memphis. They also do a provide service each year called Red Tub Day, and our office will be participating this Holiday season. Since 2010 Memphis MFCC has held “Red Tub Day” to provide Christmas presents for children in the Memphis area. MFCC partners with White Station Church of Christ to not only provide tubs full of presents for kids, but also invites the sponsored kids to an event that includes face painting, crafts, games, food, and pictures with Santa! Last year MFCC was able to give away 500 red tubs and hopes to surpass that number in 2017. Visit their website by clicking here or call 901-614-1902 to sponsor a tub!
St. Jude Marathon Weekend
December 2, 2017
(PRNewsFoto/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)
One of the biggest events of the year, the St. Jude Marathon is always in need of volunteers. Known worldwide as the premier pediatric cancer research center, patients and their families never pay a penny for their treatment, travel, housing, or food. The marathon is a huge fundraiser for them, with runners traveling from all over to participate. With thousands signed up for the multiple race options available, volunteers are needed to man hydration stations, cheer at spirit spots, and even help out with the pre-race pasta party! You can view all volunteer opportunities and sign up here.
MIFA Home for the Holidays
December 21 & December 28, 2017
The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) has been a force for good in Memphis for almost 50 years. With programs such as Meals on Wheels for seniors, and food pantry assistance for families in need, MIFA is able to serve over 50,000 seniors, teens, and families, in part thanks to generous donations and volunteers. MIFA’s Family Service Days are a wonderful way to introduce your kids to the concept of volunteering, and in December, participants will be making colorful cards and ornaments to give to meals recipients, touring the MIFA kitchen, and then delivering hot lunches as a family. Spaces for these days fill up fast, and are limited to first come, first served. For more information on signing up, contact Dorothy McClure at 901.529.4523 or [email protected].
Dorothy Day House
For the last 10 years, the Dorothy Day House has been keeping homeless Memphis families together, by offering them a place to stay without having to separate. Their mission is to create a safe haven and community for entire families, and this is accomplished largely by donations and volunteers. Like any home, there’s indoor and outdoor maintenance to be attended to, as well as daily household tasks like cleaning, cooking, and childcare. Any of these are an easy introduction to helping other families, and so are the other opportunities listed here.
Room In The Inn
(https://watercc.org/mission/room-inn/)
More than 20,000 people in Memphis are living without shelter each night, and Room In The Inn works tirelessly to provide emergency shelter and meals to them during the coldest months of the year—November through March. Serving the homeless population for eight years now, the “holy hospitality” found here offers up ample opportunities for you and your family to practice compassion and kindness. Your time and talents can be shared by welcoming guests, preparing rooms before their arrival and cleaning after they’re gone, washing and sorting donated clothes, shopping for food and supplies, and even helping to organize a Room In The Inn in your own faith community! Click here to learn more and fill out a volunteer form.
World Relief Memphis
Five years ago, World Relief Memphis opened its doors and began serving the refugee population in our city. Mainly working with refugees from Nepal, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, World Relief also provides the broader immigrant community with immigration legal services, resettlement, and employment opportunities. Volunteers of all ages, experience, and backgrounds are welcome to befriend, assist, and otherwise advocate for immigrants and refugees. Many of these volunteer positions are longer term in nature, from being a good neighbor, to helping single mothers learn English, to driving or interpreting. You can learn more about World Relief’s volunteer opportunities here.
Give Thanks this Thanksgiving!
Whether you spend your Thanksgiving carving a turkey at your own table, or passing out meals in a soup kitchen, we want to wish you a wonderful holiday full of laughter and love. Of all the things we’re grateful for, our patients are right up there towards the top of the list, and we thank you for always giving us something to smile about! Are there any volunteer opportunities we left off our list? Please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or message us on Facebook. Thanks!!
Best,
