The Giving Tour: Little Helping Hands

In honor of Giving Tuesday I will be posting a bit more this week. We had Our Best Day Ever post Monday and the rest of the week I will be featuring the organizations we've served during our Giving Tour. We hope to bring awareness to each of their causes and encourage everyone to get out and help in your community. Enjoy!  

I have a special place in my heart for Little Helping Hands. The first organization to take our family of 5 in with open arms is pretty special. Ok, this is me being cheesy but it's true and we appreciate them!

Image courtesy of Little Helping Hands

The people of Austin are lucky to have Little Helping Hands and their entire staff supporting them. I, for one told every person I met about the organization. 

A little about them: Little Helping Hands is developing the next generation of community-minded leaders and citizens. Their mission is to engage children in volunteerism and empower them to make a difference in their communities. Through their programs, children as young as 3 years old start volunteering with their families and, as they get older, they learn more about how they can impact their community through our service learning and leadership programs. 

Does it get much better than that? I think not! As a planner and dreamer myself I admire them for their organization, dedication and willingness to do this for the children, people and animals of Austin. They have quite literally covered all their bases. I truly wish this type of organization was present in every city across America. The future of all our children would be so much brighter. 

Check out the pictures below. Be sure to read the captions as it describes all of the great places Little Helping Hands supports. 

Filling kongs with peanut butter for rescued dogs at Austin Animal Center

Making duct tape wallets for the homeless at Front Steps

Making 'Lifebooks' (scrap books of major life events) for kids in STARRY's foster care program 

Making sandwiches to pass out to the homeless for Homeless Task Force Helpers

Cooking meals for families with hospitalized kids at Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas

Gardening and harvesting produce from Adelphi Acre Community Garden

Painting over graffiti for the City of Austin

Recycling computers at Goodwill Greenworks

Stocking the shelves of El Buen Samaritano food pantry

Bagging groceries for clients of Micah 6 of Austin food pantry

Stocking the mobile food pantry at Mobile Loaves and Fishes

Delivering meals to homebound seniors with Meals on Wheels Central Texas

As you can see Little Helping Hands are everywhere! I can't give this organization enough props, kudos and pats on the back. They have achieved what I've only dreamed of. They have quite literally in my mind given life to future generations. We are knee deep in an age where selflessness goes to the way-side and after-school activities are at the forefront of everyday life. Little Helping Hands has given us as parents the opportunity to prioritize our days by gently reminding us volunteerism doesn't have to be difficult. It is totally doable, makes an impact and is fun for the whole family.

May we all be inspired by their mission! Be sure to post your pics volunteering and #givingtour2016. Let us all make a difference!