Space City Parent Magazine November 2020

November 2020

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FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

STEAM FAMILY • FALL • VE;ERANS .. . �_!

SHOP SMALL BUSINESSES

ASTROS!

FALL FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

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Dance

Science, Technology and Engineering  BRICKS FOR KIDZ LEAGUE CITY 281-317-7235 www.bricks4kidz.com/texas-leaguecity-houston  CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON 713- 522-1138 www.cmhouston.org  CODE NINJAS 281-339-7482 www.codeninjas.com/tx-league-city  ID TECH CAMPS 1-888-709-8324 www.idtech.com  MAD SCIENCE OF HOUSTON 713-663-7623 houston.madscience.org  SNAPOLOGY OF HOUSTON SOUTH 833-468-7836 www.snapology.com/location/pearland  CAMP INVENTIONS 800-968-4332 www.invent.org/about-us/contact-us

Art

 ART SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN  UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CLEAR LAKE 281-283-3344 www.uhcl.edu/childrens-art-school  FRIENDSWOOD FINE ARTS 281- 996-7700 friendswoodarts.com  KID CREATIONS 832- 569-4694 www.kidcreations4me.com  THE URBAN EASEL 832- 880-6899 www.theurbaneasel.net

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 BAY AREA ARTS CONSERVATORY 281-938-1444 www.baactx.com  CHARA DANCE 832- 569-4065 www.charadance.com  CONTEMPO DANCE CENTER 281- 724-1984 www.contempodancecenter.com  DANCE EXPRESSIONS 281-996-6000 www.danceexpressions.net  ELITE DANCE ACADEMY 281-554-5200 www.elitedancing.com  EVOLUTION DANCE COMPANY 281- 316-6895 evolutiondancei45.com  FEIJOO BALLET SCHOOL 832- 738-1491 www.feijooballetschool.com  JILL RAUSCHER SCHOOL OF DANCE 281- 333-2762 www.jillrauscherschoolofdance.com  KENNEDY DANCE 281-480-8441 www.kennedydance.com  LITTLE GYM OF FRIENDSWOOD 281- 482-4242 www.thelittlegym.com/friendswoodtx  PREMIER DANCE ACADEMY 281- 488-1151 www.premierdanceacademy.net  PURPLE BOX THEATER  DANCE CLASSES 816-642-4665 www.thepurpleboxtheater.com  UNIVERSITY CHEER 281-991-1417 www.universitycheer.com

Drama/Visual Arts

 BAY AREA ARTS CONSERVATORY 281-938-1444 www.baactx.com  CLEAR CREEK COUNTRY THEATRE 281- 335-5228clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com  HARBOR PLAYHOUSE harbourtheater.com  PURPLE BOX THEATER 816-642-4665 www.thepurpleboxtheater.com  UPSTAGE ARTS 832-797-4209www.upstagearts.com/home

S.T. E. A. M. national STEM/STEAM Day - November 8th!

Help your child excel and be prepared for future careers by exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics skills! These skills help your child be more well-rounded and develop creative ways to solve problems and confront obstacles from different perspectives. Our community has a vast array of local businesses to help your child develop these skills. See our list below and be sure to tell them you saw them in Space City Parent!

LOOK FOR ADS FOR THE HIGHLIGHTED BUSINESSES IN THIS ISSUE!

Music

 BAY AREA ARTS CONSERVATORY 281-938-1444 www.baactx.com  CHARA DANCE  MUSIC PROGRAM 832- 569-4065 www.charadance.com  CHOPIN STUDIO PIANO LESSONS 832- 660-2743 chopinstudiohouston.com  CLEAR LAKE MUSIC LESSONS 281- 486-8742 clearlakemusiclessons.com  FRIENDSWOOD MUSIC AND MORE 281- 992-4242 www.friendswoodmusic.com  GUITAR CENTER LESSONS 281- 557-0505 stores.guitarcenter.com/clear-lake/ lessons?source=4GOA5AJBA  HARMONY MUSIC ACADEMY 281- 992-9800 www.harmonymusicacademytx.com  JIMMY WHITETHE PIANO GUY 281-989-2973 thepianoguy.net  MUSIC AND ARTS 281- 316-1724 stores.musicarts.com/webster?source=LGOA5LKB  NASSAU BAY MUSIC LESSONS 832-493-5968 nassaubaymusiclessons.com  SCHOOL OF ROCK 281- 218-7625 locations.schoolofrock.com/clearlake  THE PIANO STUDIO 713-364-3724 www.leaguecitymusiclessons.com

Language Arts

 BAY AREA LEARNING 281-218-7650 bayarealearningcenter.com/welcome/  HUNTINGTON LEARNING LEAGUE CITY 281-316-3030 huntingtonhelps.com/center/league-city  KUMON MATH AND READING CENTER OF CLEAR LAKE 281- 461-4386 www.kumon.com/HOUSTON-BAY-AREA-BLVD  KUMON MATH AND READING CENTER OF LEAGUE CITY 281- 554-4529 www.kumon.com/LEAGUE-CITY-SOUTH  READING LAB thereadinglab.net/  SYLVAN LEARNING 281-519-0904locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/clearlake-webster-tx  TUTORING CENTER 281-337-2800 leaguecity.tutoringcenter.com/academic-programs

Math

 BAY AREA LEARNING 281-218-7650 bayarealearningcenter.com/welcome  HUNTINGTON LEARNING LEAGUE CITY 281-316-3030 huntingtonhelps.com/center/league-city?utm_ medium=organic&utm_campaign=localmaps&utm_ source=google  KUMON MATH AND READING CENTER OF CLEAR LAKE 281- 461-4386 www.kumon.com/HOUSTON-BAY-AREA-BLVD  KUMON MATH AND READING CENTER OF LEAGUE CITY 281- 554-4529 www.kumon.com/LEAGUE-CITY-SOUTH  MATHNASIUM OF CLEAR LAKE 281- 465-4990 www.mathnasium.com/clearlake  SYLVAN LEARNING 281- 519-0904 locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/clear-lake-webster-tx  TUTORING CENTER 281-337-2800 leaguecity.tutoringcenter.com/academic-program

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FAMILY HEALTH guide Clinical preventive services, such as routine disease screening and scheduled immunizations, are key to reducing death and disability and improving the Nation’s health. These services both prevent and detect illnesses and diseases—from flu to cancer—in their earlier, more treatable stages, significantly reducing the risk of illness, disability, early death, and medical care costs.

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS  Immunizations can protect children and adolescents from serious and potentially fatal diseases, including mumps, tetanus, and chicken pox.  Early screening can detect vision and hearing problems in young children.  Screening children and adolescents for overweight and obesity can protect them from adverse health outcomes later in life.

ADULTS  Regular checkups that measure weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can protect men and women from chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.  A Pap test every 3 to 5 years for women aged 21 to 65, depending on age and testing method can protect women from cervical cancer.  A mammogram every 2 years beginning at age 50 can detect early signs of breast cancer in women.  Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 50 can protect both men and women from colorectal cancer.  “Booster” immunizations can protect both adult men and women against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

Courtesy of www.healthypeople.gov.

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ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 281-480-3600

STILL HAVE MONEY IN YOUR FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT?

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES TO MAKE SURE YOU DON’T LOSE IT.

DOCTORS Houston Methodist Clear Lake (281) 333-5503 www.houstonmethodist.org Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at Clear Lake (832) 783-1170 www.houstonmethodist.org/ ent-clearlake Houston Methodist Clear Lake Women’s Health (281)333-8899 www.houstonmethodist.org/ womens-services/locations/ clear-lake A Brighter Tomorrow Pediatrics (281) 332-0500 www.abt4kids.com Friendswood Women (281) 992-5914 www.friendswoodwomen.com

DENTISTS

Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry (281) 461-7470 www.littleteeth-htx.com Dentistry for Children & Adults (281)488-2483 www.dcadentist.com

Houston Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics (281)484-7732 www.houstonkidsdds.com

CHILDCARE, ABA, TUTORING

Ivy Kids (832) 670-8668 www.ivykidshobbs.com Clear Lake Children’s Center (281) 407-5658 www.clearlakechildrenscenter.com Children’s Lighthouse Mag Creek (281) 557-7700 www.childrenslighthouse.com/ magcreek The Reading Lab (281) 461-7323 www.thereadinglab.net The Tutoring Center, League City (281) 337-2800 www.leaguecity.tutoringcenter.com Best Brains (832) 559-0000 www.bestbrainspearland.com

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November Family Friendly Events

SILVER BEE’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET

Nov 6-7 • 10am-6pm Join us for another year of shopping and fun for amazing holiday gifts and decor! Store will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland! www.facebook.com events/2736270459962713

TURKEY ALLEY HOLIDAY MARKET

Nov 7 • 12-5pm Free entry & parking, vendors, shops, good eats, pumpkin carving contest & live music. Pictures with Tom the Turkey, 2020 Miss Kemah USA & 2020 Miss Kemah Teen USA. www.facebook.com/ events/768890407282160/

VETERANS’ DAY MEMORIAL CEREMONY AND LUNCHEON

Nov 11 • 10am-1pm League City is partnering with AMOCO Federal Credit Union to host a Veterans’ Day Memorial Ceremony at Hometown Heroes Park. Everyone is welcome to this free event, but masks are required, and all attendees will have their temperature checked at the door. Only four guests will be allowed at each table and a limited supply of commemorative t-shirts will be available and a complimentary boxed lunch will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. www.leaguecity.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=1 0804&month=11&year=2020&day=21&calT ype=0

MELINDA’S BOUTIQUE NUTCRACKER MARKET

Nov 12-15 • 9am-4pm Shop at Melinda’s Boutique, Houston Nutcracker style! We are transforming the boutique into a lighted wonderland, so please join us November 12, 13, 14 and 15th in the Boutique to shop for Holiday gifts and stuff for yourself! We are celebrating our 16th year as a merchant in the most prestigious Market in the State of Texas...

We donate 11% of all sales to the Houston Ballet.

NOTE: We are having a preview party November 11th, 5pm-8:30pm. Everyone is invited to get first

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choice on our NEW STUFF that is purchased exclusively for the Houston Nutcracker Market. www.facebook.com/ events/700146800919627

BELLE LEES BOUTIQUE HOLIDAY MARKET

Nov 13 • 10am-5pm Our shop will be transformed into a magical holiday market featuring all your favorite Nutcracker Market vendors! The Roundtop Collection, All of Us Soup Mixes, Twisted Wares, One Funny Mother, Happy Everything, & much more! Join us for a fun filled weekend to put you in the holiday spirit! www.facebook.com/ events/3091644594395621/

BAY AREA NUTCRACKER MARKET

Nov 13 & 14 Unique & handmade vendors. Free photo with Santa both days 12-1. Santa & 1 live reindeer Saturday (12-2). Gingerbread workshop, family entertainment, performances & more! $5 admission, Pasadena Convention Center. www.houstonareashow.com/upcomingshows

SALUTE TO MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDERS

Nov 13 – 15 Buy one get one free All Day Ride Pass. www.pleasurepier.com/promos/militarypromo/index.html

ICE SKATING AT DISCOVERY GREEN

Nov 13 – Jan 31 Mondays $8 Tuesday – Sunday $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance. www.discoverygreen.com/ice

GALAXY LIGHTS

Nov 14 – Jan 3 • 6pm-10pm This winter explore the most interactive and technologically advanced light display in Texas. $19.95 per person, 3 & under free. https://spacecenter.org/galaxy-lights/

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ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER HARVEST DEMONSTRATIONS

Nov 14 & 15 For the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff, we have decided not to host the annual Martyn Farm Harvest Festival this year.

We certainly hope to have it again next year!

To honor our annual event, for the price of regular admission, guests will get to see farm life demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday November 14th and 15th! These demonstrations will display some of the skills and talents that were required for Texas pioneers, such as candle making, rope making, butter making, black smithing and more! Please come join us for lots of safe fun around the farm! 3 Years & Under Free, 4 - 12 Years $4.00, 13 - 59 Years $6.00, 60 & Above $4.00, College Students, Teachers, Active Duty Military, and First Responders $4 with I.D. www.abnc.org/martyn-farm-festival

HOUSTON ZOO LIGHTS

Nov14 – Jan 10 • 5:30-10:30pm (last entry at 9:30) Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the beautiful Houston Zoo grounds and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Interact with Candy the Zoo Lights Zebra presented by H-E-B, get a selfie on a giant ice throne, and take a socially distanced photo with Santa as he prepares for the holidays in his workshop! Stroll through a 125-foot-long, Infinity Tunnel of Light, see dragons come to life in the 4-D Enchanted Forest presented by King & Spalding LLP, and experience “snow” in Texas! $13-$25. www.houstonzoo.org/events/zoolights

OCEANSTAR FAMILY DAY: WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE?

Nov 14 • 10am-4pm The continents of today once formed a large land mass known as Pangea. Over time, the spreading of the sea floor and plate tectonics separated the supercontinent and created geologic formations.

Discover how subsurface processes created folding and faulting that affects where oil and gas

CHRISTMAS TRAIN AT VICTORY CAMP

can be found. Materials and links to be posted. #FreeAdmission at the museum for all youth under 18 with paying chaperone. https://tinyurl.com/y2l6dytw

CLASSIC PRINCESS TEA PARTY

Nov15 •10am-3:30pm www.facebook.com/ events/813800262758436

3RD ANNUAL BAHFL HOLIDAY MARKET

Nov 15 •12-5pm Food Samples, crafts, beer, wine, live music.

At the Liroma Event Center FREE. https://tinyurl.com/yyl3njdo

DINNER AND SLUMBER PARTY WITH CLARA

Nov 20 • 6-8pm Characters will entertain throughout the dinner at the Paradise Reef Restaurant located inside South Shore Harbour. Children will enjoy a special story from Clara and the Baroness. Special preview shopping in the Nutcracker Boutique after dinner.

Dinner Costs: Adult $25, Child $10 Slumber Party Stay at the Hotel: $119/night www.bahbt.org/slumberparty

SUGAR LAND HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Nov 20 – Jan 3 Celebrate the season in the most magical way at the 7th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Imperial Sugar. This sparkling wonderland features more than 3 million lights and numerous themed displays at Constellation Field, located in Sugar Land, TX, (15-20 miles from Houston). You can also get some holiday shopping done with a variety of vendors, enjoy great food, and meet Santa!

This spectacular event, located just 20 minutes south of Houston, is sure to make your holidays memorable. It’s fun for the young, and the young at heart! www.sugarlandholidaylights.com

TEJANO MUSIC FESTIVAL

Nov 21 Special weekend celebrating the best in Tejano music! Kemah Boardwalk www.kemahboardwalk.com/events.asp

TEA WITH THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY

Nov 21 & 22 • 2-4pmEnjoy an afternoon tea inside the Crystal Ballroom at South Shore Harbour, see a preview of BAHBT’s performance of The Nutcracker, shop the Nutcracker Boutique, and have your photo taken with the Sugar Plum

Fairy. Reserve early for the best seats. Ticket Costs: $60 for individual seats, Table of 6 specialty table $450-$900 www.leaguecity.com/Calendar. aspx?EID=10727

BREAKFAST WITH THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY

Nov 21• 8am & 2pm | Nov 22 • 2pm Enjoy breakfast inside the Crystal Ballroom at South Shore Harbour, see a preview of BAHBT’s performance of The Nutcracker, shop the Nutcracker Boutique, and have your photo taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Reserve early for the best seats. Ticket Costs: $60 for individual seats, Table of 6 specialty table $450-$900 www.bahbt.org/breakfast

MOODY GARDENS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Nov21- Jan2 This year, the holiday season will shine brighter than ever with an event that has become a tradition for families and groups alike. Enjoy a festive stroll along this mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes themed to holiday music that take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. Stops along the way bring you to see Star the Dancing Tree of Light, concession areas, hot chocolate, fireside S’mores and other festive foods, Mistletoe, along with plenty of photo and selfie opportunities! www.galveston.com/calendarofevents/ festival-of-lights

HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS

Nov 21 - Jan 2 Festival of Lights, Holiday 3D Films,Hotel Packages, Rudolph 4D, Arctic Slide, Train Rides Star: the Dancing Tree of Light · Holiday Dinners Nightly Fireside S’Mores and other Festive Foods Group Rates, Holiday Parties and More! www.moodygardens.com/holiday_season

CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY FARM

Nov 27 – Dec 27 Cut-your-own Christmas tree! Enjoy a whimsical Christmas Village with twinkling lights, garlands, ribbons and tinsel! Hop on a wagon for a ride through the woods to see over one million light displays and music — the magical Trail of Lights!

Shop at the Country Store! Visit Santa and our Giant Snow Globe for photos ops … and more! www.dewberryfarm.com/xmas-home/

Nov 27-28, Dec 4-5, 10-12, 14-23 The Christmas Train is a unique holiday experience, unlike anything else in Houston! Your whole family can enjoy an old-fashioned train ride on our open-air coaches while experiencing hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights and displays. Advance ticket $10, at the door, $12.

2 and under free! www.thechristmastrain.com

BOLIVAR CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Nov 28 Dash into the holiday spirit during the 2nd annual Bolivar Christmas Festival, coming to The Pavilion at Festival Park on November 28th. The event will feature arts, crafts, furniture, Christmas decor, clothing, jewelry, and much more. You’ll also enjoy live holiday-themed musical performances from local groups. The festival will also feature a special appearance by Santa Claus. The event is brought to you the Bolivar Peninsula Tourism & Visitors Center and The Texas Crab Festival Charities. All proceeds raised go to The Texas Crab Festival Charities. www.galveston.com/calendarofevents/ bolivar-christmas-festival/

NUTCRACKER IN THE PARK

Nov 28 • 8-9am, 10-11am, 12-1pm, 2-3pm, 4-5 pm Kick off the holiday season with fun activities for the kids! League City is proud to partner with the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre (BAHBT) to host a series of The Nutcracker-themed events for League City residents. Characters from The Nutcracker will lead a series of ballet and sword building classes for children on November 28 and December 19 at the newly renovated League Park. Interact with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, and other characters by signing up for a 30-minute slot to take a ballet class or build a sword. Both events take place simultaneously and require pre-registration. Participants will each get the opportunity for photos with the characters and a goodie bag. Space is limited. Ages 2-18. $10 for League City Residents, or $12 for NonResidents. https://tinyurl.com/y3ky6y72

CHRISTMAS MARKET AT HAAK WINERY

Nov 29 •12-4pm Haak Vineyards & Winery will host a a special Christmas shopping day with a sleigh-full of beautiful gifts for giving. Stock up for the holidays while supporting small businesses. You’ll enjoy shopping from local artisans and vendors, while savoring a glass of award-winning Haak wine.

For questions or vendor opportunities, please email events@haakwine.com. www.galveston.com/calendarofevents/ christmas-market-at-haak-winery/

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SMALL BUSINESS Give the gift of experience, help with cleaning, boutique gift items, lessons to learn something new, a family getaway or something to improve their health! Unique ideas to stuff their stockings and help local businesses!

image by vecteezy.com

Shopping local is more important this year than any other year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Local businesses are struggling to stay in business, while many in our area have closed their doors permanently in the past six months. Please support our advertisers during your holiday gift buying if you are able. These are a few from all our market areas! Be sure to tell them you saw them in our magazine!

Code Ninjas - League City

Summer’s Swim - League City

FREE 30-MINUTE GAME BUILDING SESSION for new clients.

(281)339-7482 www.codeninjas.com/tx-league-city

Kennedy Dance - Clear Lake Power Up at Kennedy Dance with a FREE Trial Class and FREE Gift when you mention SCP Small Business Saturday!

(281) 480-8441 www.kennedydance.com

Mommie Chic & Me - League City (281) 557-0336 www.mommiechicandme.com

Purple Box Theater - Friendswood FREE Registration for Spring Semester.

Must register by January 1st, 2020.

(818) 642-4665 www.thepurpleboxtheater.com

The Reading Lab - Clear Lake $100 discount on the first month of training when you mention you saw this in Space City Parent. www.thereadinglab.net

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(281)-332-7946 summers-swim.com/index.html

The Tutoring Center - League City $50 off first month tuition!

(281) 337-2800 leaguecity.tutoringcenter.com

University Cheer - Houston (Houston / Pasadena area) (281) 991-1417 www.universitycheer.com

Rosa Rios Cleaning (Serving Space City Area) 20% off Deep Cleaning when you mention SCP Small Business Saturday Guide!

(409) 995-0191 www.rosarioscleaning.com

Sugar & Spice Ranch - Bandera, TX (830) 460-8487 www.texashorsecamps.com

Robin’s Dance - Missouri City (281) 499-3921 www.robinsdancestudio.com

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Best Brains - Pearland FREE registration when mention Pearland Parent Magazine. ($75 value) Offer expires 1/31/21 (832) 559-0000 https://bestbrains.com/pearland

Bushi Ban - Missouri City (832) 833-0030, https://bushiban. com/martial-arts-classes/Texas/ Missouri-City/2815

Safety America - Sugar Land (281) 980-3030 karatesugarland.com

TSO - Briar Grove / Galleria Area (713) 714-1608 www.tsobriargrove.com

Katy ABA Call Today for your FREE Initial Consult (281) 574-4226 www.katyabaoftexas.com

Little Gym of Katy (281) 347-1400 www.thelittlegym.com/katytx

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It’s that time of year again. The time when we take a count of the blessings we have, and then give thanks. But sometimes we tend to focus on the things we don’t have, the things we wish we had, the things that others have, rather than appreciate what we do have. Our children are especially prone to this “Let’s keep up with the Joneses trap.”

Even so, with very little effort, we can help them see all the gifts they have been given by making them aware of the things others don’t have- food, clothing, toys, shelter, etc… We can help them be thankful by seeing what’s lacking and giving of our family’s time, talents and treasures. It is by sharing these gits with others that we truly give thanks.

Give Your Treasure When we think about giving of our treasure, many of us think of donating money. While monetary gifts to non-profit organizations are always appreciated, we have other treasures that we can give as well.

• Donate old puzzles and games to local retirement communities for their use. Make sure all the pieces are still in the box.

• Sort through your closets and donate good, like new items to your local clothing bank, thrift stores and toy drives.

• Participate in one of the gift-giving programs in your community by adopting a child, a family, or a senior to purchase gifts for.

Volunteer Your Time For most families, time is a precious commodity.

Work, school, homework, and soccer practice take up big chunks of our days. But, if we are judicious, we can find time to volunteer. We don’t have to commit to an on-going effort. We can start small.

• Coordinate a food drive for your local food bank. Ask your neighbors, co-workers, fellow students, or faith community to participate.

Even if you collect just a can or two- every little bit helps.

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• Help a friend or neighbor in need. Is there someone in your community who finds it difficult to rake leaves, sweep the driveway, or put up holiday decorations?

• Put up a “Glove Tree” at your place of work, worship, or study.

Encourage others to decorate the tree with gloves and mittens that can be donated to your local homeless shelter or clothing bank.

• Offer to deliver holiday meals to shut-ins in your community. A good meal will go a long way to lift lonely spirits.

Share Your Talents While our time is precious, the gifts we have been given are even more special when we share them.

We need to help our children identify their talents, and find ways to share those gifts with others.

• Decorate place mats. Donate for the holiday meal at your local homeless shelter, food kitchen, or nursing home. These rectangles of cloth or paper can be adorned with drawings, or they can be woven strips of construction paper.

• Bring the gift of song to others. Go caroling through your neighborhood. Sing for the seniors at your local retirement center. Play a holiday melody for the residents of your local homeless shelter.

• Make cheerful posters! that can hang in hospital rooms, nursing homes, etc… anywhere people’s spirits need a boost.

Practice Random Acts of Kindness Teaching our children how to give without expecting anything in return is one of the most difficult lessons.

Random Acts of Kindness- secret giving- can help children find the joy in sharing their gifts with others.

• Leave a small gift for a lonely neighbor.

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• Deposit someone’s paper on their doorstep on a cold winter morning.

• Purchase a meal or coffee for someone in the drive thru- or even pay for another table’s meal at a restaurant.

• Mow someone’s yard when you know they are working long hours and haven’t been able to take care of it.

• Put together a family night of fun (latest family movie, snacks and juice boxes, etc…) and leave it on a family’s doorstep.

How Your Family Can Help Locally Interfaith Caring Ministries brings smiles to children’s faces every holiday season with their annual “Christmas Store”, which distributes new toys to local children in need.

ITEMS NEEDED: • Unwrapped toys for children of all ages.

• Items for older kids and teens might include cologne, fuzzy blankets, electronic games, DVD movies or books/journals, etc…

• Also needed are family gifts, such as coffee pots, toasters, dishes, blankets, etc…

If you have any questions about what items are needed or if you would like to sign up to hold a toy drive, or volunteer your time at the Christmas store, please call Interfaith Caring Ministries at 281-332-3881.

Toys can be dropped off at the ICM office located at 151 N. Park Ave, League City.

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