5 ways to change your world

Yes, November is here: the start of the manic holiday shopping season.

What to get? Where to buy it? When to find the time!

225 is here to help to keep your finger off the panic button with some useful gift ideas that’ll do more than bring a smile to the recipient’s face. They might just make Baton Rouge a better place to live. This is your chance to start feeling good about the holidays again with five worthy ways to give something back.

1 Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank

The community’s safety net for hunger relief offers a variety of opportunities to make a difference.

The big give: Feed-A-Family Friday is Nov. 7 at Matherne’s Supermarket (7580 Bluebonnet Blvd.), where the Food Bank will accept perishable and non-perishable food items and collect Thibodeaux and Pierre donations. Non-perishables can also be placed in Feed-A-Family barrels set up in grocery stores citywide.

Your hands: “Come see what we do,” encourages Alyse Caliva, special events coordinator. “Come as a family, with friends or coworkers, or as an organization. It’s a bonding and humbling experience.”

Your list: The Food Bank supplies items to more than 128 local agencies. Needless to say, monetary donations in any amount are vital to operations.

A $25 Thibodeaux and Pierre contribution buys turkeys and hams for those unable to afford a holiday meal. The honorary donor receives either a Thibodeaux Turkey or Pierre Pig beanie as a token of thanks. Donors can also opt to give the toy to a less fortunate child.

Contact: 359-9940 or brfoodbank.org

2 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge

This organization has long provided life-saving assistance to thousands of homeless people, families who’ve fallen on hard times and others with dire needs.

Your hands: More than 18,000 adults and children will be fed during the holidays, so the Society always welcomes new volunteer servers. You can even go as a family (volunteers under age 16 need accompaniment).

“The holidays are extremely busy,” says Society CEO Michael Acaldo. “Children are out of school and are coming to the dining hall with their parents for more meals.”

Their needs: In addition to its annual toy drive, the Society is collecting items for its dining room, community pharmacy and Bishop Ott Shelter. Drop off items for the toy drive, pharmacy and dining hall at the council office located at 220 St. Vincent de Paul Place. Shelter items can be delivered to 1623 Convention St.

• Toy drive: Toys for boys and girls from infants to age 12.

• Community pharmacy: Over-the-counter medicines such as Advil, Motrin, Claritin, multivitamins, Robitussin, sugar-free cough syrups, Maalox, Tums and Zantac. Financial donations help the pharmacy fill prescriptions for people without insurance or who can’t afford their medicine.

• Dining hall (holiday special needs): Donations for holiday spreads like ham, turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, rice, sugar and dry beans. They also need canned goods like green beans, chicken broth, corn and tomato sauce.

• Bishop Ott Shelter: Donations of toiletry items, sheets (crib and twin size), blankets, pillowcases and disposable diapers can make the difference between destitution and dignity for homeless people seeking shelter.

Your list: “People that are established in life are often hard to shop for, as they will generally go out and buy something if they want it,” says Acaldo. “Those men and women really appreciate the gift of helping other people.”

Your recipient will receive an acknowledgement in the mail for any gift made in his or her honor.

Contact: 383-7837 or svdpbr.com

3 Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge

This national organization builds and renovates homes for families.

Your hands: There are 18 houses currently under construction in the Baton Rouge area. While assistance from experienced builders, plumbers and electricians is immensely appreciated, construction skills are not required. Volunteers (age 16 and older) work with experts, past Habitat recipients and the soon-to-be homeowners.

“We need hospitality workers onsite to register volunteers, serve lunch and keep workers hydrated”, says Executive Director Lynn Clark. “Volunteers are also needed in our Family Services Department to assist with the application process and mentor new homeowners.”

Their needs: Though Habitat for Humanity doesn’t coordinate a holiday-specific program, the need is always great for donations of funds, supplies and labor. The local chapter completes 25-35 homes a year. Deliver materials and tools, especially power tools like saws, drills and nail guns, to the main office at 4962 Florida Blvd., Ste. 409.

Your list: A donation works well for families because they understand the bonds and love fostered in a comfortable home. A holiday card will arrive in the mail to notify recipients of the contribution made in their honor.

Contact: 927-6651 or habitatbr.org

4 Toys for Tots Foundation (U.S. Marines Corps Reserve initiative)

Collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys, spreading the season’s joys to needy area children.

Your hands: Volunteers will be needed to sort through items sometime after Thanksgiving.

Their needs: Toys for boys and girls from infant to age 14. Games, electronics, sports equipment, dolls, books, etc.

“We really need teen items. We’ve been short the past few years,” stresses Gunnery Sgt. André Sylvester. Drop off toys at any area Family Dollar store and the Navy-Marine Corps Reserve Center at 8410 General Chennault Dr., starting this month through mid-December.

Your list: Impart the spirit of giving on the next generation by encouraging your youngster to forgo a few gifts and help ensure that every child receives a brand new toy during this special time. Have them assist in picking out something for a child their own age; after all, they know best.

Contact: 356-1369 or toysfortotsbatonrouge.org

5 Capital Area United Way

The Capital Area United Way supports 49 agencies and charities on the front line of helping those who need it most.

Your hands: Companies and individuals participate in the Season of Caring by assisting in various holiday projects benefiting organizations throughout ten parishes in the Capital Area.

“We offer a range of activities from delivering food, toys and clothing to families, to assisting with a children’s holiday party, to decorating the Parker House [home for abused and neglected children],” says Robin Keller, senior vice president of marketing and operations. Projects take place throughout December.

Their needs: You! CAUW and its community partners are looking for many volunteers to make this year’s Season of Caring campaign a success.

Your list: Make this a gift to yourself. There is no greater feeling than knowing you’ve made a positive impact on someone else’s life.

Contact: 383-2643 or cauw.org