The hands that give are never left empty. In a time of turmoil, there is no greater gift we can give than the gift of service and compassion. While some of us lie in wait to pounce on the next deal, some lie in their beds with the sound of a grumbling stomach. Siblings pull each other closer for warmth under thin blankets. Mothers and fathers tirelessly work overtime to provide for their children, only to find that it wasn’t quite enough this month.

The spirit of giving in Canadian is what sets our community apart from the rest. As we dive into the holiday season, let’s not forget those who are drowning, lonely, and afraid. Poverty, hunger, addiction, abuse, and depression all rise and threaten to consume those who struggle, though, they aren’t acknowledged much on Instagram.

We live in a country of promise, wealth, and hope. In America, you change your station in life. Bootstrap pulling is difficult to achieve on your own, especially if the generational odds are stacked against you. We live in a generous community that provides hope for dreamers and those who have fallen on hard times. We live in a community that values putting effort into people. As people, we are called to serve—to extend a hand in giving or lifting up.

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 programs that nurture children; the hospice program that provides comfort to the dying; the food bank that provides groceries for those who have fallen on hard times; the ministerial alliance that aids families and individuals in crisis; the group of mothers whose efforts are focused on ensuring that children receive needed dental and medical care—even if their parents can’t afford it; and the volunteer advocate who represents a child’s best interests in the child protection system.

Your gifts, however large or small, offer comfort and sustenance. They remind those suffering that they are not forgotten. It is the spirit of brotherly and sisterly love that fuels the volunteers of local charitable organizations. In giving to others, we are both humbled and honored.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Canadian’s Meals on Wheels program relies on many volunteers who deliver meals each weekday to any senior citizens in need, from those recuperating from illness or surgery to many who simply benefit from a nutritious meal and a daily welfare check. This program allows senior citizens to remain in their homes, rather than being moved to alternative care facilities.

Meals on Wheels provides seniors and their families much comfort—both physically and mentally. Volunteers for Meals on Wheels make a connection that is so much more than delivering a hot meal—it is a warm smile and conversation. Priceless.

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 donations from any individual or organization. To make a contribution, please send your tax-deductible donation to Meals on Wheels, Box 447, Canadian, TX 79014. If you know someone who could benefit from the services, or if you would like to get involved delivering meals or as a driver, please contact Cindy Young at 806.217.1650 or Sandy Waterfield at 806.323.2552. Cindy can also be reached by email at cindyyoung1382@gmail.com, or by private message on Facebook.

SNACK PAK 4 KIDS

Snack Pak 4 Kids provides kids with reliable, nutritious food for the weekend. Every Friday, volunteers work together to build snack packages to give to children, so they don’t have to experience hunger. This program is available for all students of CISD. For elementary students, Snack Pak provides individually-wrapped snacks, beef sticks, cereal, juice, and milk. For middle and high school students, Snack Shack offers a choice of brand-name items that can be ordered individually online. Weekend hunger-relief programs like this ensure that all students in our community have access to nutritious filling food. Hunger is a root cause of failing grades, poor attendance, and disruptive behavior. Your contributions to this program can change a child’s life, and protect his healthy future.

To Contribute: To donate to Snack Pak 4 Kids, please send a check to Snack Pak 4 Kids, 701 Park Place Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101. Be sure to write “Canadian SP4K” on the memo line of your check so that 100 percent goes to local students. 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 18 and under in Hemphill County with family grocery needs, and with educational, dental, and medical needs, as well. The Lone Star Angel Project board of directors considers each request and referral on a case-by-case basis. Each donation received from the community is spent with a respectful and generous spirit. The Lone Star Angel Project receives no government funding; it is solely supported 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 program, contact one of these board members: Dawn Abraham, Ana Hernandez, Valerie Verbi, Teresa Johnston, Molly Kerrigan, Rosemary Koetting, Mary Jo Leonard, Becky Reid, or Teresa Cervantes.

CASA OF THE HIGH PLAINS

CASA stands for court-appointed special advocate. CASA trains volunteer advocates from your local communities to advocate for the best interest of children who are in foster care. CASA of the High Plains is automatically appointed as guardian ad litem for every child in foster care in all eight counties it serves, which includes Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Roberts, and Wheeler. CASA volunteers visit the children they serve and advocate for them, both in the CPS court system and in their everyday lives. The cost to provide an advocate for one child is approximately $2,500 per year.

In 2022, CASA provided advocacy services for 40 children from the High Plains area, with the help of 36 volunteers, compiling 8,232 donated miles and 2,577 donated hours.

This is the impact your gift through Panhandle Gives can have: $50 helps pay for a community volunteer to be trained; $100 helps to increase community awareness about CASA’s mission; $250 helps the Client Aid Fund, which is used to meet the needs of children beyond what foster care provides; $500 helps pay for travel expenses for volunteer advocates to see the children in their placements across Texas; $2,500 helps provide a volunteer advocate for a child in foster care for a year.

To Contribute: You can make your tax-deductible donation to CASA of the High Plains today at www.thepanhandle gives.org. To donate by check, please designate it to The Panhandle Gives and write CASA of the High Plains in the memo section. Drop checks off from Nov. 21-29 at any Amarillo National Bank location, as well as FirstBank Southwest and Happy State Bank, a division of Centennial Bank, locations. To pay with a credit or debit card, go to https://casahp.org/give/ and click the DONATE button.

CANADIAN COMMUNITY CENTER

The Canadian Community Center’s mission is to improve the lives of our community. The CCC provides a myriad of programs for children and adults of all ages. It thrives on the amazing contributions of our community.

One stellar program is Denita Landry’s Little Learners, an educational program for 4-year-olds. For those on the sporty side, the CCC offers basketball, flag football, baseball, and swimming lessons. It also offers a fun, safe, and happy place for kids to hang out after school, as well as scholarships for those whose families are unable to pay.

Seniors get a special rate and can enjoy popular classes like Sit-n-Fit (seated aerobics/mobility) each Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The center provides a fully-equipped weight and cardio room, as well as fitness classes for all adults. Throughout the year, the CCC also provides community events for kids and families, such as the Halloween Carnival, the annual CCC Block Party, and more. The CCC serves over 1,130 regular members and welcomes over more than a thousand day-pass guests per year.

To Contribute: To support the CCC, become a member, get involved, follow them on Facebook, or volunteer your time to help at one of the events. Donations can be made anytime to the general fund, the CHS Volunteer Scholarship fund, the After-School fund, or the Youth and Sports Assistance fund. CCC is also taking part in The Panhandle Gives fundraising event from Nov. 21-29, during which all contributions will generate additional funding from the Amarillo Area Foundation. Write your checks to The Panhandle Gives with CCC on the memo line. You can also visit thepanhandlegives.org/organizations/canadian-communitycenter, or click on #ThePanhandleGives link on the Canadian Community Center Facebook page. For more information, contact Ike Julian at 806.322.5254, or by mail at PO Box 1106, Canadian, TX 79014. Your donations will fund youth scholarships and after-school programs.

CANADIAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Canadian Education Foundation, a 501c, was founded in 2011 by a group of citizens committed to supporting educational opportunities for teachers and students of Canadian ISD. This nonprofit group is led by a volunteer board of directors of business, community, and educational leaders.

CEF has given $165,070 in scholarships and $64,843 in teacher grants since 2011. The foundation donates planners and backpacks for students; funds Window on Wider World (WOWW), an arts enrichment program for kindergarten through fifth-graders; and provides partial reimbursement to senior students for successful completion of one dual-credit course. CEF provides financial assistance for AIMS testing and sponsors 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. The CEF will continue to strive and fight for teachers’ and students’ needs. CEF is grateful for the support it has received over the years and remains dedicated to public education.

To Contribute: Monetary 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

Hemphill County Hospice is dedicated to improving quality-of-life care by serving patients and their families with understanding and compassion. For the last 28 years, the hospice program has provided unparalleled service to residents of Hemphill, Lipscomb, Wheeler, Roberts, and Gray counties. In addition to supporting patients and their families, hospice volunteers provide support for the entire community by offering counseling services, supplying elementary school children with coloring and activity books on grief and loss, and offering literature and bereavement services to those in need. A grief luncheon held each November is designed to help those who have suffered a loss get through the holiday season.

To Contribute: Please send your tax-deductible contribution to Hemphill County Hospice via check, cash, or credit card to 1020 S. 4th St., Canadian, TX 79014. For more information, contact Lindsy Krehbiel at 806.323.1141, or Ashley Morales, RN, director of Home Care Services, at 806.323.8603, or by emailing amorales@hchdst.org.

CANADIAN MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE

The Canadian Ministerial Alliance, which meets once a month, was created by local pastors who saw a need to gather together in thought, prayer, and fellowship. In addition to offering moral support, a focus of this group is to aid those in the likeness of Christ by providing struggling families with critical needs. Many will face harsh choices this winter. CMA can help families with utility payments on a case-by-case basis and provide vouchers for food and gas. CMA serves as the ultimate reminder as we enter the season of giving: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke: 6:38)

To Contribute: You can contribute by writing a check to any participating church. Note CMA on the memo line. Participating churches include Canadian’s First Baptist, Methodist, First Presbyterian, Church of Christ, The River, Abundant Life Assembly of God, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

RACHELS LITTLE HOUSE DAYCARE

Rachel’s Little House Daycare has provided quality daycare for families in the Canadian area since 1971. The Little House offers daily loving care for kids from 8 weeks to after-school age. Little House is more than just daycare. It provides educational programs to foster learning and motor skills, as well as to help children transition from daycare to public school successfully. Rachel’s Little House operates solely on tuition and on the donations of this community. If we want a better world, it starts with our children. When we invest in the people who invest in children, our world becomes a better place.

To Contribute: Donations can be made payable to Rachel’s Little House, and either brought by 1201 S. 4th St. or mailed to PO Box 961, Canadian, TX 79014. Unless specifically designated, all contributions will go toward the 2023-24 operating budget. The Little House is participating in The Panhandle Gives fundraising event from Nov. 21-29. The goal this year is to use the funds to purchase new playground equipment for the infant/toddler outdoor playground since it has not been updated in 12 years. Donations can be made at Happy State Bank by naming Rachel’s Little House on the memo line of your check or through thepanhandlegives.org/organizations/rachelslittlehouse. You can also go to the Rachel’s Little House Facebook page for the link. 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) and an educational nutrition newsletter for families in Hemphill County who may need help with their monthly groceries due to loss of jobs, 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 food assistance, they may contact the Extension office at 806.323.9114.

To Contribute: Those wishing to contribute may send cash or check to High Plains Food Bank, or to Hemphill County AgriLife Extension Service (note High Plains Food Bank on the memo line) at 10965 Exhibition Lane Road, Canadian, TX 79014. They may also contribute to the food drives organized 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 goal is to provide eye exams and glasses for members of the community in need, with a special emphasis on helping school-age children. The club also promotes awareness for blindness prevention, provides guide dogs to assist the blind, and aids in diabetes awareness and treatment.

Funds raised by the local Lions Club are used locally for eye care and Christmas gifts for underprivileged children. Donations are also made to numerous local charities and events, including the Junior Livestock Show, a $500 scholarship for the Club Sweetheart, the Summer Reading Program at the Hemphill County Library, and a Pay it Forward board at Brown Bag Roasters. Funds are also used to support projects of Lions Clubs International and District 2-T1, such as Texas Lions Camp, the Eyeglass Recycling Center in Midland, and the Coast and Shoe Fund for Boys Ranch.

To Contribute: Monetary donations can be made to Canadian Lions Club and mailed to Box 91, Canadian, TX 79014. The club also welcomes used eyeglasses (no cases). Donation boxes for eyeglasses are at the following locations: Canadian Eyecare Clinic; The Canadian Record; Upland Resources; the Physical Therapy Department at Hemphill County Hospital; Canadian Banking Center; and Happy State Bank. For more information, contact Sherry Timmons at 806.217.0256 or Bobby Gregg at 806.881.9121.

CANADIAN VFD

Rain, sleet, or snow, Canadian VFD answers the call. When the sirens blare against howling winds, blinding rain, or stinging ice, the men and women of the VFD leave the comforts of home to tackle whatever danger there may be. They battle fires, extricate wreck victims, and save lives while the rest of us listen to the scanner or refresh Facebook for the latest updates. Please don’t forget these fearless volunteers this season.

To Contribute: Send all donations to the Canadian Volunteer Fire Department, 5 Main St., Canadian, TX 79014.