In the weeks since the earthquakes in Haiti, we’ve seen a tremendous outpour of money and support for the recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people every day. The response and outpour of money and time got me thinking though, what are we doing daily in our local communities to support our local charities? Here at my Houston courier service, Hot Shot Delivery, Inc., we have the privilege of providing delivery service for several local charities and nonprofit organizations. We’ve developed several discounted services and special programs to help assist these charities and organizations in keeping costs low, as well as, providing a means for them reach their donors and beneficiaries expeditiously. Some of the greatest gifts we receive at Hot Shot Delivery, Inc. are the smiles that light up the children’s faces that benefit from the actions of our work for these charities.
I encourage all of you to get involved with local charities. You can always give money, but even better, you can contribute your time and services. Your neighborhood needs you and the rewards are life changing. I would like to share a quick story with you as well as a few charities that could use your help. Several months ago we received a call from a gentleman looking for a Houston courier service to pick up a pallet of bottled water and deliver it to Minute Maid Park. Having over heard this conversation in the call center, I asked to take the call. I discovered that this gentleman was with the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), and their organization was providing water to the members of the 72nd Infantry Brigade and their families during a deployment ceremony parade. Having attended Texas A&M University, I have the privilege of knowing many current and former members of our military. When the husband of a dear friend of mine was deployed to Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, I purchased a camouflage bracelet that simply says, “Support our Troops”. I have never taken this bracelet off. Our men and women and the families of these courageous folks need our support, so when it came time, I was honored to provide a free delivery for these brave souls. The unbelievable part about this story was that just last week, I was invited to the VFW Hall and they presented me with an Award of Appreciation! Can you imagine? All that these men and women, their friends and families, are sacrificing so much, and they give me an award? I don’t tell this story for my benefit, but rather for the benefit of our military. The smallest actions, and believe me, to me, my action was very small, mean the world to these military families. The same is true for all the actions and involvement with your local charities. These terrific groups strive and are able to give back to our communities because of the actions and involvement of people like you and me. I challenge each of you to get involved with a local charity and you will be amazed at how much more fulfillment you will get out of it than you put it. The outcome is terrific!
A few groups I would like to highlight, are Comp-U-Dopt
http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1262047571
and U.S. Vets
http://www.usvetsinc.org/locations/location.asp?id=7
