Its always a happy time for me this part of the year and I look forward to so many great get togethers and time with family. But many people would disagree and in a community like Westfield Indiana there are more then enough ways to jump in and help out. It’s easy to have a blind eye in such an affluent place and assume that everyone has everything but it’s just not true. There are hungry people, homeless people and people that are on the verge of losing it all, while we guzzle egg nog and nibble on aunt Elsie’s fruit cake. There are places that are looking for volunteers to help with service and activities and of course there are food pantry’s that can’t keep the food on the shelves all over our wonderful little city. So, lean in and help out by asking where you can be of service and I have also included a few links below to help get you started as well as a few of my secret hacks that make it easy and a no brainer.
Food – There are lots of ways to help in the food arena in Westfield like the newly opened OPEN DOORS OF WESTFIELD, a food pantry that serves thousands a year. I love to donate food and I have a little trick for getting bunch of food fast and delivered without the chance of distraction or forgetfulness. Use the Kroger Click list! Do a list just for donations and do it online. I always struggled with adding 100 cans of corn to my already full cart and would just skip the purchase but this way I can order smartly and a variety of needed foods, drive to Kroger and they load up my car with the strongest plastic bags ever to drop off at the necessary place. It’s quick, easy and very helpful to someone on the other end.
Health – This is sick season and most of us figure out a way to get a bad cold or flu during the winter. I have the luxury of stopping into a pharmacy or doctor and receiving the necessary care to get better but many people do not have this option. In Westfield we have the Heart and Soul Clinic right downtown that offers healthcare and dental care for those that can not afford a traditional service. But they also need volunteers that they can count on and especially those with some medical training. I know we get busy and priorities always trump volunteering but if you have any sort of skill set that can benefit a clinic; they would love to get you involved. There are also monetary and equipment needs that we could all help with.
Be Available – Asking questions and being an option for those that run these organizations is one of my favorite ways to be involved. The directors of shelters and pantry’s are always looking for resources to provide for families that are having a bad time and for them to know that they have your contact info and you are ready to help out is huge. Westfield Youth Assistance is a great place to start with this. They help families that have children that need mentoring or tutoring but are also a huge resource when families are hungry or need help. Contacting and agency like this and really being counted on can make a huge difference. It’s easy to shoot an email or make a call and then be responsive. Its mind blowing how a $50 gift card or a $200 electric bill can help a struggling family. Gather a group of friends and set a budget and pass that along. Its a nice way to be effective and not put a strain on your own finances.
So there you go and hopefully you can find a way to help a neighbor out this Thanksgiving and Christmas season (it can really be anytime) and of course if you need just this help, there are so many resources and services out there. Ask questions and get involved.
-curt
Curt has been in the Indianapolis Real Estate business for over 10 years and spent his first years learning all aspects of commercial management and brokerage. He has had great success in managing existing commercial projects and new retail and office developments. Curt specializes in building owner representation and purchases in the Westfield Indiana market as well throughout the Indianapolis Metro area. Curt is passionate about growing the local Westfield community and in his free time volunteers with Westfield Youth Assistance and raising 2 children with his wife Jennifer.
