MarandaTV » Giving Back

The Giving Tree

Jamie Allen — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:46:11 +0000

Parents, mentors and community members are shopping with a cause at Mulick Park Elementary.

Operation Christmas Child

Jamie Allen — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Shoeboxes full of simple gifts are making a big difference for kids around the world.

Cards for Kids

Jamie Allen — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:27:46 +0000

Kids with KVO East are brightening kids day at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital!

Companies Giving Back

Jamie Allen — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:26:09 +0000

Our friends at Ferris State University Grand Rapids and Priority Health are each giving back to the Grand Rapids community. Here’s a look at how their employees are stepping up to help those in need.

Be an Angel this Christmas

Jamie Allen — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:15 +0000

One way you can give back this holiday is by participating in the Angel Tree Toy Drive. There are many West Michigan families who have fallen on hard times and need assistance this season…..it’s not too late to help brighten a child’s day. It’s as easy as purchasing a toy and delivering it to a drop-off location in your area. Click here for more information on the campaign and a drop off location near you.

‘Where You Live’ – December 5, 2009

Jamie Allen — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:00:13 +0000

Take a look at some of the ways that West Michigan kids, families and companies are giving back to the community.

[See post to watch Flash video]

Attack childhood hunger….pack a supper!

Jamie Allen — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:00:28 +0000

This week our show is focused on Giving Back. Through out the past few weeks, our crew has been out and about in the community capturing ways that kids, families and corporations are generously giving back. We filmed portions of our show at Kids Food Basket, which is a non-profit organization here in Grand Rapids that provides nutritious sack suppers to children at local schools, so they have a meal to eat at home that night.

As a child I remember coming home to a house each night where there was always a hot meal on the table. Looking back, I’m embarrassed to think about the times I grumbled about that gross meatloaf or those yucky vegetables. If I only realized then how lucky I was to actually have a meal. Right here in Kent County there are thousands of kids who would go to bed hungry each night if they didn’t have a sack supper from Kids Food Basket.

After seeing the good work this organization does, my challenge to you is to find a way you can help give back and help hungry kids in your own backyard. Here are some ways you can help support Kids Food Basket.

The organization is always looking for volunteers to come in and pack sack suppers. They currently distribute over 1,500 suppers a day, so helping hands of all ages are appreciated. No experience necessary to help.
Donations of simple items like sandwich bags or juice boxes are always needed. Check out the entire wish list here. This could be as easy as just adding a few extras to your grocery list each week.
If your kids are little artists, think about decorating paper sacks. Brown or white lunch sacks are needed and personalized messages or even just a good old fashioned smiley face can brighten another child’s day.
Gather up your co-workers, bible study or a group of friends and do a trail mix project. Personally, I’m going to get together some of my girlfriends and do this. You purchase the supplies needed and make up the baggies at home. It’s a great way to catch up with old friends while giving back!

For more information on Kids Food Basket and ways you can help, watch Where You Live this weekend! Tonight when you’re eating dinner, take the time to appreciate what you have. Even if your kids are having gross meatloaf and yucky veggies, remind them how blessed they are.