I hope you are having a great season so far. There have been so many holiday celebrations throughout the Valley that I am sure you have had a chance to go to at least one of them. I am also sure that your park has had something too or has something planned soon.

I have seen photos on Facebook of parks helping those in their community with food, clothing, and more this season. We even have some in this issue of the paper that has been shared with us.

We would love to see photos of your gatherings at your park, your Red Hat adventures, and anything else you want to share with us. We love seeing you having fun.

Our community loves having you here. And it not just because of your giving, but because you are like family while you visit the Valley. You adopt those around you. You make friends. You find causes that you relate to. You really become a part of the Valley, a part of us. Your giving is just a bonus to the communities you help. You are truly a treasure to have for the few short months we do.

There are so many ways to give this time of year. Most of the big organizations like Salvation Army and Toys for Tots are already done collecting toys for children in our area by now. Most will be distributed this week, just before Christmas.

The Salvation Army and RGV Food Bank are just two of the organizations you can give to all year long. Many of the cities in the Valley have their own food banks as well. Then we have church and school organizations, animal shelters, police and fire department organizations, and so many more.

You have a lot of options if you choose to give a little, or a lot, this season.

Like I have said in previous weeks, if you can’t give anything monetary, give a little bit of yourself – a hug, a smile, a touching note, just a little something that tells someone they are appreciated, that they are seen. Sometimes that is more important than anything else.

~ Rina