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GIVING BACK >> LOCAL CHARITIES
HELPING HANDS
Giving Back Charitable Organizations Making a Difference Around Town W RIT TE N BY C A MERON COBB
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t’s easy to get caught up in the celebratory chaos during the holidays as you count your blessings without realizing their absence in the lives of others. Thankfully, plenty of local groups offer opportunities to help get involved, so there’s always a chance to be a part of a greater purpose. And while charity may begin at home, it certainly doesn’t have to end there. Below are just a few of the many charitable organizations that give back to our communities — specifically for the homeless, children, veterans, and animals. Hopefully you’ll feel inspired to get to know these giving groups and explore many others, too.
ST. FRANCIS HOUSE Mission: “To empower families with children to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing case management, housing, food, training and educational resources in a secure environment.” St. Francis House (SFH) is located on 413 S. Main Street in Gainesville and was established in 1980, according to stfrancishousegnv.org. This 118 |
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organization aims to empower families and their children by providing transitional assistance from being homeless to becoming self-sufficient. SFH features a wide range of services, including but not limited to: lunch provided daily and open to the public, access to laundry facilities, free public phone use, tutoring for children, showers, clothing