2008 – December

January – February - March – April – May – June – July – August – September - October – November – December-General & On-going

Most Saturdays through Christmas - Pre-Holiday Fair Trade Bazaars at the World Cup Café. 1321 N. 15th. Tired of giving traditional gifts to those who really don’t need more “stuff?” Why not purchase quality world crafts made the world’s poor and help them survive economic difficulty? Almost every Saturday between now and Christmas, new inventory will be displayed outside the World Cup Café, Several women are also hosting “trunk shows” to bring their friends together to understand Fair Trade and buy items in local homes and venues. Want more details? Contact Kathy Allison at 254.753.4900.

Through December 12 – Donate toys or gift wrapping supplies for Mission Waco Christmas Toy Store ‘08 - Drop donations by the Mission Waco Office , 1315 North 15th Street. Low-income families will be able to purchase items for their children at an 80% discount . Mission Waco’s philosophy is that providing discounted items (instead of free items) allows the poor to participate in providing for their families and to shop with dignity. The income from the Toy Store is used for purchasing more toys and gift items for the store. Volunteers are needed for advance shopping, re-pricing, and store operations the days the store is open. If you want a collection box at your site, let us know (254-753-4900). A local Christian biker group, “Riders of the Son,” will pick up toys at several churches on Sunday morning, November 30. For questions or more information call (254) 753-4900. For a flyer with more information, click here: Mission Waco Christmas Toy Store ‘08.

Through December 24 - Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign at area store locations. Individuals, families, church groups, work groups, school groups – all are welcome to participate. Many volunteers are needed to man kettles. Also, ask about the new “adopt-a- kettle” program; businesses, churches or other groups are invited to sponsor a kettle for as little as $250 dollars. Sponsor names will be displayed on a sign on the kettle. For more information about volunteering or adopting a kettle, call Christie Harper at 254-756-7271.

December 1 – World AIDS Day interfaith ceremony. 7:00 P.M. Central Texas Metropolitan Community Church sanctuary, 1601 Clay Ave. This powerful ceremony will include the lighting of the chalice by our Unitarian Universalist brothers and sisters, the Mourner’s Kaddish by Rabbi Gordon Fuller, a testimonial of hope from a local person living with HIV, an open letter from women living with HIV, and more. Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to join us downstairs in our Social Hall for a photography exhibition featuring the portraits and stories of local residents living with HIV. For more information call 752-5331 or email centexmcc@earthlink.net .

Dec. 1-5 – Salvation Army/Marine Corps Toys for Tots Christmas Toy Registration. 9-3:00 at Salvation Army Corps building 1225 S. Jack Kultgen Expressway. Families who would like to receive Toys for Tots for their children are welcome to come by on these days to register. For more information call Christie Harper 254-756-7271. For more information about how to donate toys or to request a donation box at your business please visit the Toys for Tots website: http://www.toysfortotswaco.org/.

December 2 – Skating Party Benefit for the Red Door Pantry. 7:00 P.M. Skate World- 401 Towne Oaks Dr. Whether you can roller skate or not, join us for the fun at Skate World. It’s a disco theme, and the best disco costume wins $100! Admission is $3 or two non-perishable food items. The proceeds from the evening benefit the Red Door Pantry which serves the HIV population of Waco and the surrounding area. For more information call 752-5331 or email centexmcc@earthlink.net.

December 5 – Santa’s Workshop at Baylor University. - We are looking for toy donations. Toys should be age-appropriate for 3-5 year old boys and girls. In addition, we encourage toys that are around $10 in value and DO NOT need batteries. Bring toys (or monetary donations) to Marianne Magjuka at the Student Activities office on the ground floor of the Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB). We also have donation boxes in most buildings on campus. For more information e-mail: Marianne_Magjuka@baylor.edu.

December 6th, 13th and 20th – Gifts for Grannies wrapping parties and gift delivery sponsored by Friends for Life. Volunteers collect small gifts for seniors. Then we pack the gifts into gift bags and deliver them to seniors in their homes or nursing homes. A great event for groups and families. Teens can help too! Come and help pack the gift bags, or stop by Friends for Life anytime to pick up some gifts to deliver. If you have any questions contact Claire at 772-8100 X142 or email her Claire@friendsforlife.org.

Dec 6, 10, 13, 17 - Mission Waco Christmas Toy Store. 9 a.m. to noon, at The Children’s Center, 1525 West Avenue (corner of North 16th and West Avenue). Low-income families are given vouchers to purchase items for their children at an 80% discount. Mission Waco’s philosophy is that providing discounted items (instead of free items) allows the poor to participate in providing for their families and to shop with dignity. The income from the Toy Store is used for purchasing more toys and gift items for the store. Volunteers are needed for advance shopping, re-pricing and store operations the days the store is open. For questions or more information call (254) 753-4900. For a flyer with more information, click here: Mission Waco Christmas Toy Store ’08.

December 11 - Waco Habitat for Humanity Christmas Open House. 4-6:30 p.m. at the new office, 220 N. 11th St. (11th @ Columbus Ave.) All are welcome to come by and see the new Habitat offices. For more information call Emily Fau at (254) 756-7575.

December 12 – Heart of Texas Crisis Care Center Open House. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1200 Clifton St., Waco. A new mental health crisis center in Waco is off to a good start.  People in need have access to a broader array of services than before.  The new facility is designed to be a 24-hour one-stop-shop for people experiencing psychiatric crisis. This is an open house for anyone who is interestedin its operations.  Tours of the center will be given every half-hour during that time period.

December 14 – Feast of Sharing sponsored by H.E.B - Noon to 4:00, General Exhibits Building at the HOT fairgrounds. Holiday meal is served for all at no cost to anyone. Shuttle service is available from any H.E.B. location every 15 minutes from 11:30 – 4:30. If you or your group would like to volunteer to help serve, please call 666-2595.

December 17, 18, 19 – Marine Corps/Salvation Army Toys for Tots Distribution. Time and Location to be determined. Volunteers needed to help sort toys by age and gender and to help parents “shop” for appropriate toys. For more information call Christie Harper at 254-756-7271 or visit the Toys for Tots website: http://www.toysfortotswaco.org/.

December 19- Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition Meeting. 11:45 AM Family Abuse Center, Call 254-772-8999 for directions. No cost to attend. Join us to stay involved with what is going on in Central Texas to serve the homeless. Lunch will be provided. Reservations are required – please call 722-7644 or email jenny.clines@gmail.com. For more information, click here: www.hothomeless.org

December 25- Salvation Army Christmas Meal. 11:00 at Salvation Army Corps building, 1225 S. Jack Kultgen Expressway. All are welcome. Volunteers welcome to work as well as to donate various food items especially pies and other desserts. For more information call Christie Harper at 254-756-7271.