Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way to make spirits bright than to give back to the community by supporting a local charity.
Whether donating money, goods or volunteering your time, acts of kindness can make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Here are a few ways to give back this holiday season:
CAYMAN’S ARK – ACTS OF RANDOM KINDNESS
Spread Christmas cheer by supporting the organisation’s annual ‘Giving is Receiving’ Christmas Giveback. The focus of the campaign is donations of gift certificates to distribute to families and individuals for the holiday season.
“We are asking the public to donate gift certificates for food, toy stores and clothing stores so families in need can purchase Christmas meals and gifts as well as other necessities,” says Jordan Farrow, ARK social media and marketing manager. “We have found this to be the best method to help those in need during the holiday season so each individual can purchase what is needed specifically for their family.”
Among recommendations: Foster’s Supermarket, Hurley’s, J. Michael, Cost-U-Less, Camana Bay, Book Nook and family friendly restaurants. Cash/cheque donations are also welcome or donate online.
ARK Hotline: 936-7272 (to arrange pick-up or drop-off of gift cards)
e: [email protected]
w: arkcayman.org
w: arkcayman.org/donate-online
MEALS ON WHEELS
Along with delivering free hot meals to seniors and vulnerable people in the community year-round, Meals on Wheels organises a food and gift drive during the holiday season.
Its ‘Santa for Seniors’ community project asks people to buy a gift item for a senior, wrap and label it, and drop it off at the Meals on Wheels office.
Its wish list can be found at mealsonwheels.ky. The not-for-profit also provides holiday groceries and welcomes donations of food items for its grocery bags as well as donations of bulk goods for its community kitchens.
Volunteers are always needed to deliver meals throughout the districts.
t: 769-1974
e: [email protected]
w: mealsonwheels.ky
w: pledgeasenior.com
CAYMAN FOOD BANK
Help stock the shelves at Cayman Food Bank, which strives to tackle hunger and nutrition issues in Cayman.
Food is collected and sent to the Good Samaritan Food Bank facility, which inspects, sorts and distributes food to partner agencies throughout the island. Its partners then provide meals and distribute groceries to families and individuals in need.
Cash donations can be made online.
t: 926-6111 or 946-1840
e: [email protected]
w: caymanfoodbank.com
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION
The National Children’s Voluntary Organisation (NCVO) is one of Cayman’s longest-standing charities.
The non-profit group is dedicated to the care, education and well-being of children and families in need of support.
NCVO oversees the Jack and Jill Nursery, Miss Nadine’s Preschool and the Nadine Andreas Foster Home. It also runs a thrift store, New to You Bargain Store on Anthony Drive, which accepts donations of gently used clothing, household goods and children’s items.
Donations and volunteers are always welcome to support the NCVO’s operational costs and programmes. Financial donations can be made online.
The group also welcomes new gifts and gift certificates.
t: 949-2124
e: [email protected]
w: ncvo.org.ky
CAYMAN ISLANDS CRISIS CENTRE
The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC) provides emergency shelter, services and programmes to victims of domestic violence and abuse. Help support the work of the CICC this Christmas by donating items on their Wish List (cicc.ky/in-kind).
Donations can be dropped off at its warehouse in Industrial Park, Mini Warehouse #226, every Wednesday between 12-1pm. Financial donations can also be made online.
t: 949-0366
e: [email protected]
w: cicc.ky
This article originally appeared in the Christmas Wishes 2024 newspaper supplement.
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