If youve happened by our home and office on Second Street in downtown Lewes youve probably noticed how much we love this time of year! Of course we cherish the lights and decorations and gifts and food, but we also love the good cheer among our Active Adults team and all of the wonderful people we get to work with.
This year, like last, were spotlighting a few ways to feel and share that good cheer. Here are some of our favorites. We also want to highlight the wonderful Menorah Lighting that will take place next Sunday, December 18th at The Baywalk at Dewey Beach, right behind the Hyatt. Its open to the public, with hot latkas, donuts, music and . . . fire juggling! Admission is free and you can learn more by calling 302-377-1162 or emailing RabbiShalom@ChabadDE.com.
Go Shopping to Contribute to Folks You Know
One way to forge a personal connection to local folks is to take part in Active Adults Realtys partnership with Children and Families First of Delaware. Building on decades of success in preparing people of all ages to thrive under challenging circumstances, the organization is working with us and many other organizations to ensure hundreds of families receive tailored support during the holidays.
If youre one of those volunteers you can drop the items off at our Second Street office between now and Christmas. Ideally, youll gift wrap the items, but were happy to do it if that makes your life easier.
And if youd like to contribute but dont have time to stop, you can still take part in this personalized gift-giving by making a donation that well direct toward one of the individuals or families!
To participate, contact Brooke Jones at 302-NEW-HOME, or at brooke@activeadultsrealty.com.
Serve Up Some Special Holiday Cheer in Newark
There are opportunities to donate your time, gifts and money all over the state. If you happen to live upstate near Newark check out Phoenix Used Clothing at https://www.phoenixusedclothing.online/events. The organization does a wonderful job year-round gathering clothes and household items for folks who need them. Theyre also doing a big Christmas lunch and dinner on December 24th for local families living in motels and encampments. You can donate items specifically for this event. Learn more at the Events link on the organizations Web site.
Give a Hand Up to Folks Statewide at Brandywine Counseling
Despite Delawares overall prosperity, wonderful neighborhoods and cultural opportunities, we have a substantial population of folks who are homeless or struggling to keep a roof over their head. Many are also trying to beat substance abuse and dealing with other challenges related to poverty. One of the best ways to support a hand up approach is by donating to Brandywine Counseling. The organization has a great track record for helping people get back on their feet with jobs and education and the support they need to become productive members of society. You can donate in Wilmington, Newark, Milford and Georgetown. Get the details at https://www.brandywinecounseling.com/charitablegiving/ and click on Locations & Hours to plan your donation.
Buy Nothing. Share Everything Statewide.
Many of us who have moved to Delaware in recent years have enjoyed prosperous careers and accumulated all kinds of clothing and other items that we love but dont use anymore. One great way to get it to those who do is through the Buy Nothing Group. Its well established and doing wonderful things here in the U.S. and across the world. Visit the site at https://buynothingproject.org/ and learn where to donate here in Delaware at the U.S. States & Territories link at https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group.
Share the Love in Sussex County
Thanks to so many great responses from friends and neighbors, we know there are many other opportunities to make life better for the holidays as well.
Follow in the footsteps of a group of the 1969 Lewes High School class who created the Cape Community Fund to provide support for individuals and families within the Cape Henlopen School District. You can learn about the organization and make in-kind and tax-deductible donations at http://www.capecommunityfund.org/
If youd like to support a beloved local institution and help folks buy low priced, high quality gifts, you can donate gently-used or new items to local families through Beebe Hospitals Treasure Chest Thrift Shop. Learn more by calling 302-644-2878 or by visiting https://www.beebehealthcare.org/patients-visitors/volunteer/beebe-auxiliary/treasure-chest-thrift-shop. NOTE: make sure you visit the site and donate only during the designated hours and bring your mask with you since this is in a hospital setting.
And if youd like to do something simple yet vital, consider donating to the Cape Henlopen Food Basket. Learn more at https://capehenlopenfoodbasket.org/about-2/