THE HANDS THAT GIVE are never left empty. There is no better time to be reminded of that than now, when we are awash in consumer-oriented Christmas messages urging us to spend our money—even as many in this community struggle to feed and clothe their children, care for the elderly and infirm, and pay for life’s basic necessities.

As we each prepare our Thanksgiving meals and celebrate this great bounty in the company of friends and family, please remember—in thought, word, and deed—those for whom this day offers fewer blessings and far greater uncertainty. Those who have lost jobs, whose businesses are struggling, whose health is in jeopardy, or who care for one who is ill. Those who are alone, who live in fear, who wrestle with addiction, who are without hope in a season whose persistent message is one of great hope. Those who labor and are weary. Those whose children are hungry or cold. Those who have no home, and no family to offer them shelter and kindness.

We live in a time of great promise; in a country that enjoys enormous wealth; and yet, there are many who have neither. We live in a community that has always given generously to those in need, but we can never take the generosity of others for granted. It is for each of us to give according to our ability.

With these things in mind, we asked representatives of local nonprofit charities to describe each organization’s mission and to tell us how we can contribute. In the following pages, you will read about the daycare center that nurtures our youngest children; the hospice program that gives comfort to the dying, and to their families and loved ones; the food bank that delivers groceries to those who have fallen on hard times; the ministerial alliance that aids families and individuals in crisis; and the group of mothers whose efforts are focused on ensuring that children receive needed dental and medical care—even if their parents are not able to afford it.

Your gifts, however small or large, offer comfort and sustenance. They send a much-needed message to all who suffer, that they are neither forgotten nor lost, and that this is a community that cares, even for the least of these. And in giving, we are reminded of all we have—the blessings that are ours—for which we give thanks, today and every day.

—RECORD EDITOR/PUBLISHER LAURIE EZZELL BROWN

MEALS ON WHEELS

For over 50 years, Canadian’s Meals on Wheels program has relied on the many volunteers who deliver meals each weekday, as well as the contributions that support its outreach to senior citizens, to those recuperating from illnesses or surgery, and to others in need. This is one example of the many blessings this community offers.

One of the benefits for seniors is that it enables them to remain in their own homes and to enjoy a balanced meal that they might otherwise not get. It also offers reassurance that someone will stop by to check on them each day and that volunteers delivering a meal can render aid should they have fallen or suffered some illness. This gives peace of mind, not only to those who live alone, but to the families who live too far away to provide that immediate help. The volunteers who deliver the meals do so because they know what a great need it fills—and because they, in turn, receive a blessing from those they serve. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

To Contribute

These meals are prepared in the kitchen at Mesa View Senior Living, five days a week. The cost of some meals is subsidized by generous donations from individuals and organizations in our community. To make a gift or memorial contribution to the program, please send your tax-deductible donation to Meals on Wheels, Box 447, Canadian, TX 79014. If you know of someone who may benefit from receiving Meals on Wheels, or you would like to get involved delivering lunch and a friendly smile to recipients, please contact Cindy Young at 806.217.1650, by email at cindy young1382@gmail.com, or by private message on Facebook. Or call Sandy Waterfield at 806.323.5110 or 806.323.2552. By the way, volunteer drivers are always needed. To give the gift of your time, give Cindy or Sandy a call and ask that your name be added to the list.

SNACK PAK 4 KIDS

Every Friday of the school year, Snack Pak 4 Kids provides kids with reliable, nutritious food for the weekend, so they can succeed in school. When kids go hungry over the weekend, they are not prepared to learn on Monday. Snack Pak is available for students on all four CISD campuses. For students at our elementary schools, Snack Pak provides individually-wrapped snacks, beef sticks, cereal, juice, and milk. For middle and high school students, Snack Shak offers a choice of brand-name food items that can be ordered individually online. Weekend hunger-relief programs like Snack Pak 4 Kids ensure hungry kids have access to nutritious, filling food over the weekend. By supporting Snack Pak 4 Kids, Canadian, you can make a difference in the life of a child.

To Contribute

To donate to SP4K, please send a check to: Snack Pak 4 Kids, 701 Park Place Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79101. Be sure to write “Canadian ISD” on the memo line of your check so that 100 percent of the money donated goes to buy food for students here at home. For more information, go online to snackpak4kids.org, or contact JJ Cullender at 806.255.0436, or Kathy Dumbauld at 602.821.4020.

LONE STAR ANGEL PROJECT

Lone Star Angel Project helps children living in Hemphill County with dental, medical, educational, and many other essential needs. The Lone Star board of directors carefully considers each request for help and each referral from the community. Every dollar received from the community is spent in a thoughtful and respectful manner. The board’s goal is to be good stewards of the monies entrusted to them. The Lone Star Angel Project receives no government funds and is supported solely by donations from the community.

To Contribute

Please mail your tax-deductible donation to Lone Star Angel Project, PO Box 303, Canadian, TX 79014. For more information about the Lone Star Angel Project, contact one of these board members: Dawn Abraham, Ana Hernandez, Valerie Verbi, Teresa Johnston, Theresa Cervantes, Molly Kerrigan, Rosemary Koetting, Mary Jo Leonard, or Becky Reid.

CANADIAN COMMUNITY CENTER

The Canadian Community Center’s mission is “to improve the health and vitality of our community.” To that end, they offer programs for all ages. Mrs. Landry’s Little Learners is the place to be for preschoolers. For little Wildcats, the CCC offers basketball, soccer, flag football, baseball, and swimming lessons. The CCC has been able to provide 332 youth scholarships so that no child is denied the opportunity to participate or to become a member due to their inability to pay. They provide a fun, safe, and healthy after-school hangout for 30-50 kids daily.

For senior citizens, the CCC offers reduced rates and a warm and friendly place to walk, meet up, and stay active. Sit-n-Fit (seated-aerobics/mobility) classes are offered each Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. For adults, the center provides a fully-equipped weight and cardio room, as well as an ever-changing array of group fitness classes, racquetball, and weight-loss challenges.

For the whole family, CCC offers the annual Halloween Carnival, pumpkin painting, and youth and men’s basketball tournaments, in addition to other community events throughout the year.

Today, the CCC serves 1,128 regular members, and over the past year, has welcomed over a 1,000 day-pass guests. How do they do it all? A whole bunch of help, love, and community support, that’s how, according to the CCC Director Ike Julian.

To support the Canadian Community Center, become a member, get involved, follow them on Facebook, or volunteer your time to help at one of their events. Donations can be made anytime to the general fund, CHS volunteer scholarship fund, youth and sports assistance fund, or the after-school fund. CCC is also taking part in The Panhandle Gives fundraising event Nov. 22-30, during which all contributions will generate additional funding from the Amarillo Area Foundation. Donations can be made at Happy State Bank by naming the Canadian Community Center on the memo line; through thepanhandlegives.org/organizations/canadian-community-center; or by clicking on #ThePanhandleGives link on the Canadian Community Center Facebook page. For more information, contact Julian at 806.323.5254, by email at ike@canadiancommunitycenter.com, or by mail at PO Box 1106, Canadian, TX 79014.

CANADIAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Canadian Education Foundation, a 501c3, was founded in 2011 by a group of dedicated citizens for the purpose of enhancing and supporting educational opportunities for students and teachers at Canadian ISD. This philanthropic, nonprofit organization is led by a volunteer board of directors of business, community, and educational leaders, as well as alumni.

Since its inception, the CEF has sponsored innovative-teacher grants and student scholarships totaling over $150,000. CEF donates student planners and backpacks for classroom use on field trips; funds WOWW (Win dow on a Wider World), an arts-enrichment program for K-fifth-graders; and reimburses senior students $150 each for their successful completion of one dual-credit course. In addition, CEF provides financial assistance for AIMS testing, and spearheads the homecoming tailgate parties and presentation of Wildcat honor teams.

Each year, CEF selects one deserving teacher as the recipient of the Pam Spencer Teacher Passion Award, which is given to honor the late CISD educator’s love for education, student excellence, and the Wildcat spirit. The CEF is committed to continuing these worthy endeavors and relies on the generous support of this community, and is grateful for its support and dedication to the school district and public education.

To Contribute

Contributions may be mailed to Canadian Education Foundation, PO Box 438, Canadian, TX 79014, or by following the “Donate Now” link at https://canadianedfoundation.com/. For more information, contact the foundation by email at canadiantx@canadianedfoundation.com.

HEMPHILL COUNTY HOSPICE

The Hemphill County Hospice is dedicated to improving the quality of each day for its patients, by understanding and serving their needs and personal preferences, and by allowing them time with their loved ones.

Since 1994, Hemphill County Hospice helped the residents of Hemphill, Lipscomb, Wheeler, Roberts, and Gray counties. During this time, countless numbers of patients and their families and friends have been impacted by the love and compassion given to those during their greatest hour of need. This would not be possible without the generosity of this community and donors elsewhere.

Not only is Hemphill County Hospice deeply invested in supporting patients and their families, they also feel it is vital to support our entire community. In times of crisis, hospice volunteers have provided counseling to the community; supplied elementary school students with coloring and activity books on grief and loss; offered literature and bereavement services to anyone in the community that has suffered loss; and sponsored the Grief Recovery® eight-week program for those suffering any type of loss.

To Contribute Please send your tax-deductible contributions to Hemphill County Hospice via check, cash, or credit card to 1020 S. 4th Street, Canadian, TX 79014. For more information, contact Ashley Morales, RN, director of Home Care Services, at 806.323.8603, or by email to amorales@hchdst.org.

CANADIAN MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE

The Canadian Ministerial Alliance was created because local pastors saw a need to gather together in prayer and fellowship, and to share the common joys and concerns of their congregations. CMA meets once a month to pray for each other and for each church in Canadian, seeking faithful response to God’s will for the whole community.

CMA’s goal is to help those in need in Canadian, in keeping with Christ’s call: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” CMA provides for the least of those in our community by assisting with up to $250 in utility payments, and by providing vouchers of up to $150 for food or gas. The Alliance also offers hotel rooms for people who need a warm, safe place to stay.

Through the generous support of each church congregation and members of the community during the last year, CMA was able to feed a man who had not eaten for three days and to help several others who would otherwise have been forced to choose between buying groceries or paying heating bills. This has been a trying year for many in Canadian, and CMA was still able to assist those who were most vulnerable.

To Contribute

The Apostle Paul wrote, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” As we seek to be Christ’s body together, please consider making a contribution to the Canadian Ministerial Alliance. You may do so by writing a check to any member church, noting CMA on the memo line.

RACHEL’S LITTLE HOUSE DAY CARE

Rachel’s Little House Day Care has provided quality childcare for families in the Canadian area since 1971. The Little House employs a staff of dedicated caregivers and provides daily care for an average of 65 children, ranging in age from 8 weeks to after-school age. Last year, RLH achieved a coveted fourstar rating—the highest rating offered by the Texas Rising Star Program. In every class, RLH implements the Creative Curriculum, an interactive program designed to help children develop the skills necessary to transition from daycare to public school successfully. RLH operates solely on tuition and on the donations of this community. Through that support, the staff is able to ensure learning opportunities for children in a developmentally-appropriate environment, and to provide safety, shelter, and peace of mind to working parents. Please think about investing in the future by supporting Rachel’s Little House.

To Contribute

Donations can be made payable to Rachel’s Little House, and either brought by 1201 S. 4th Street or mailed to PO Box 961, Canadian, TX 79014. Unless specifically designated, all contributions will go toward the 2022-23 operating budget. The Little House is participating in The Panhandle Gives fundraising event Nov. 22-30, during which all contributions will generate additional funding from the Amarillo Area Foundation. Donations can be made at Happy State Bank by naming the Rachel’s Little House on the memo line or through thepanhandlegives. org/organizations/rachelslittlehouse. For more information, please contact RLH by calling 806.323.6261 or emailing rachelslittlehouse@outlook.com.

HIGH PLAINS FOOD BANK

The Hemphill County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service family and community health program provides a monthly food-box distribution (on the third Tuesday of each month); monthly food pantry (on the first Thursday of each month); and an educational nutrition newsletter to families in Hemphill County who may need help with their monthly groceries due to loss of jobs, family illness, or other issues. The food is delivered monthly from Amarillo’s High Plains Food Bank to the Hemphill County Extension office. The program also provides food-box recipients with nutrition education classes that focus on money management, healthy food purchases, and meal planning. If any Hemphill County resident is in need of help with food, they may contact the Extension office at 806.323.9114 for details on program registration.

To Contribute

Those wishing to help may send checks to High Plains Food Bank, or to Hemphill County AgriLife Extension Service (noting High Plains Food Bank on memo line) at 10965 Exhibition Lane Road, Canadian, TX 79014. They may also contribute to the food drives organized periodically by school students or by 4-H Club members. For more information call 806.323.9114.

LIONS CLUB

The Canadian Lions Club, chartered in 1948, seeks to fulfill the charge given to Lions Club International by Helen Keller to be “knights for the blind.” The club’s goal is to provide eye exams and glasses for members of the community in need, with a special emphasis on helping school-age children. Those efforts also support a push to eradicate preventable blindness and provide guide dogs for the visually impaired, with a new emphasis on fighting diabetes. The local economic downturn has increased the number of applications received for assistance with the cost of glasses and eye care. It has also diminished the number of donations and availability of funding. Funds raised by the local Lions Club are also used to support the Junior Livestock Show, to purchase Christmas gifts for local children, to help disabled children attend Lions Club camp, and to provide scholarships and support other Lions Club efforts.

To Contribute

Financial contributions may be made to Canadian Lions Club and mailed to Box 91, Canadian, TX 79014. They also welcome the donation of prescription eyeglasses, which are sent to the Midland recycling center for distribution to those in need. Donation boxes are located at The Canadian Record, Medic Pharmacy, Canadian Eyecare, Happy State Bank,

Wellington State Bank, and Upland Resources. If any other business owner would like to host a recycling box, they may contact Joe Wagner at 806.255.0414.

CANADIAN VFD

When the sirens sound in the middle of the night, we spend our time trying to calm down our barking dogs. The volunteer firefighters crawl out of their warm beds to deal with whatever emergency is at hand, and to face whatever danger comes their way. Please don’t forget this essential volunteer service when you get out your checkbooks this year.

To Contribute

Send all donations to the Canadian Volunteer Fire Department, 5 Main Street, Canadian, TX 79014.