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By Melody East

It’s hard to believe the holidays are almost here! This is the busiest time of year for Rockwall County Helping Hands, and a time when your help is needed more than ever.

To kick-start the holiday season, be sure to visit our Fall Market—a giant parking lot sale with holiday decorations that even a top-notch decorator would love. It starts at 8 a.m. on October 25, and shoppers will find a bounty of wonderful items at prices you won’t believe.

As we head into the holidays, Helping Hands needs your assistance in meeting the needs of our less fortunate neighbors during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Your help is needed in keeping our Food Pantry shelves stocked with basic food items. Local grocery stores will post a list on their front doors of what is needed—and, please, don’t forget the hams and turkeys!

"More than 10,000 bags of food are distributed annually from the Food Pantry," said Sherry Hamm, assistance and referral director. "Our shelves are kept well-stocked because of the generosity of the Rockwall community and food drives operated by US Postal workers, Boy Scouts, school groups and churches."

To make it easier to donate food, the annual Post Office Food Drive starts November 15. Just fill a bag with food, and your postal carrier will pick it up.

An exciting annual holiday event is the Christmas toy drive, when Helping Hands partners with local law enforcement agencies to collect donations of new toys. More than ever we need the community’s help to ensure underprivileged children receive toys for Christmas. If your business, church or organization is interested in having a toy drive, please contact Sue Welch at 972-771-4357, ext. 228.

"In 2007, the Christmas Stocking Toy Distribution served 843 children—that’s a lot of happy kids!" said Mrs. Hamm.

Registration for the program begins November 10 and toy distribution is December 20. Volunteers are always needed to assist with the distribution.

While you’re shopping, please take time to select a child’s wish from the Angel Tree at Super Wal-Mart, Belk’s, Culver’s and CiCi’s. Donations can be left at the stores and restaurants. If you or your organization or church is interested in adopting a family for Thanksgiving or Christmas or to volunteer, please contact Mrs. Hamm at 972-771-4357.

Revenue from Thrift Store sales is one of the agency’s primary funding sources, and we welcome merchandise donations. Pick-up service is available or items can be dropped off at 950 Williams St. from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday or at the Royse City location, 508C Interstate 30 on Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Helping Hands depends on the Rockwall community to continue helping others—but the agency also offers its donors something in return.

Be sure to make the Rockwall and Royse City Thrift Stores and The Boutique one of the first stops on your holiday shopping trips. Hidden treasures abound at bargain prices. You won’t believe what great merchandise our generous donors provide, which is the reason we refer to our merchandise as "experienced," not used!

We know how busy you are during the holidays and to help you stay healthy, flu shots are available at the Health Center of Helping Hands at 102 South First Street, where residents will find a medical home at affordable prices.

Helping Hands also provides an opportunity for the advantaged to serve and become a part of the organization by volunteering their time and services in the Thrift Store, the Assistance and Referral Program or the Health Clinic.

"We treasure our volunteers," said Margo Nielsen, executive director. "They are a valuable asset that keeps our agency running smoothly."

Helping Hands serves as the area’s main non-profit critical assistance agency. For more than 30 years, we have stayed true to our mission. Born out of a concern for the welfare of others Helping Hands was built on a foundation of volunteers and donations from a generous and caring community. It grew on the premise that needs would be met—not ignored. We are able to continue that mission because of your help.

Please assist Helping Hands in making this holiday season a joyous one for those less fortunate. To make a donation or to volunteer, call Melody East at 972-771-HELP.

Happy Holidays to you and yours from Helping Hands.

2008: A year of accomplishments

This year has gone by so fast, but the staff and volunteers at Rockwall County Helping Hands have made good use of every minute and much was accomplished.

In 2008, more clients turned to Helping Hands as people in need struggled with a sluggish economy, the housing crisis and sky-high gas prices. The agency now serves more than 6,000 people a year.

To better meet needs, Helping Hands offered new programs for people in need, a new shopping experience, an improved Thrift Store, a second Thrift Store location and a revamped community health center operating under a philosophy of quality healthcare at affordable prices.

Helping Hands also adopted a new tagline that really says it all:

Quality Assistance, Compassionate Care.