{"id":16938,"date":"2022-12-05T10:22:48","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T15:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/?p=16938"},"modified":"2022-12-05T10:22:52","modified_gmt":"2022-12-05T15:22:52","slug":"helping-out-during-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping out during the holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2><b>In the moment:<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe whole thing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe whole thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other members of the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and I looked out over the vast vacant lot we\u2019d been raking behind Midland\u2019s Open Door\u2019s soup kitchen and men\u2019s shelter. All around, amber leaves glinted golden in the midafternoon light, blanketing the ground in a thick sheet. Above, still more leaves rustled in the chill air, ready to add to the pile. For a second we all stood there, dumbfounded. Then, slow but determined, we took up our rakes, gripped our leaf blowers, and got back to work.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn\u2019t long before conversations restarted. We tugged and we lugged, we piled and pulled, chatting and laughing all the while. Though we\u2019d been grumbling, it was nice to spend time with each other and grow closer as a group. An hour later, pink-cheeked and smiling, we folded up the tarp and admired the green grass, visible once more. Seeing all we\u2019d done that evening gave me such a strong sense of fulfillment. We\u2019d come into that volunteer opportunity not knowing how much raking lay in store, a surprise we\u2019d discovered halfway through. And despite all odds, we\u2019d cleared the entire lawn of leaves, plus the large property in the back which the Open Door hoped to use for a more modern shelter. We\u2019d accomplished so much more than I or the Open Door had thought possible through teamwork and determination. And hearing the Open Door\u2019s sincere gratitude for our service made me feel even more satisfied. As I walked back to my mom\u2019s car, hands in my coat pockets to avoid the evening chill, I felt myself smile, inside and out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16947\" width=\"676\" height=\"348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa.png 901w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa-300x154.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa-80x41.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/gogreen.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16949\" width=\"676\" height=\"465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/gogreen.png 901w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/gogreen-300x206.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/gogreen-80x55.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Volunteering: the hows and whys<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI felt so accomplished and so warm inside, not only because we\u2019d raked a lot of the leaves, but because we did it so quickly, and with such happiness,\u201d junior and BSA co-president Olivia Horne said about BSA\u2019s volunteer raking activity. \u201cI felt really proud of our club.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only did BSA members enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that came from volunteering, but Horne also feels the two hours were a valuable team-building opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe all got really, really close yesterday,\u201d Horne said. \u201cI was friends with some people, but other people I wasn&#8217;t as close with, so it was really nice that we had our little conversations and got to know each other a bit better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among friends, Horne finds the volunteer experience was even more rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen you have friends, you&#8217;re all there and you can talk about genuine things that interest you,\u201d Horne said. \u201cAnd so you feel like, \u2018I&#8217;m doing this because I enjoy it, and because I&#8217;m with people that I really, really enjoy.\u2019 It makes a huge difference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Developing a sense of community with their volunteer group as well as giving back to the community are key motivators for students and clubs who volunteer. During the holiday season especially, DHS\u2019 National Honors Society (NHS) president Alex Price sees a rise in the will to volunteer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe season is all about giving, and giving not only means physical things, but giving back to your community as well,\u201d Price said. \u201cThis year we definitely want to implement the community feeling a little bit more and provide more opportunities to give back to people in Midland, especially those in need at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, many opportunities for service are available to students at DHS. Countless clubs continue volunteering throughout the winter, some with service hour requirements like NHS and Key Club, and others without, such as BSA and Creative Hearts. This winter, BSA plans to join Creative Hearts in making holiday-themed nursing home decorations. Key Club will walk in the Santa Parade in addition to their other volunteering. NHS members will also continue with their nine hours of service per marking period; Price lists the Santa House, Midland\u2019s Open Door, and the Midland Sharing Tree Project as a few special holiday volunteering events.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/creativehearts.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16948\" width=\"664\" height=\"296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/creativehearts.png 885w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/creativehearts-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/creativehearts-80x36.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 664px) 100vw, 664px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/inpersdonsharingtree.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16951\" width=\"487\" height=\"301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/inpersdonsharingtree.png 974w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/inpersdonsharingtree-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/inpersdonsharingtree-80x49.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreeinfodon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16963\" width=\"487\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreeinfodon.png 973w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreeinfodon-300x115.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreeinfodon-80x31.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreegeneraldon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16962\" width=\"490\" height=\"174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreegeneraldon.png 980w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreegeneraldon-300x106.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreegeneraldon-80x28.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/onlinedonsharingtree.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16957\" width=\"490\" height=\"166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/onlinedonsharingtree.png 980w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/onlinedonsharingtree-300x101.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/onlinedonsharingtree-80x27.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreevol.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16964\" width=\"676\" height=\"376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreevol.png 901w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreevol-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sharingtreevol-80x44.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/keyclub.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16952\" width=\"676\" height=\"605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/keyclub.png 901w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/keyclub-300x269.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/keyclub-80x72.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/santahousevol.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16960\" width=\"676\" height=\"524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/santahousevol.png 901w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/santahousevol-300x233.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/santahousevol-80x62.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And if volunteers want an experience more tailored towards their talents, the Open Door looks for volunteers with special skills as well. Whether knowledgeable about plumbing or computers, any service donated is greatly appreciated. For potential volunteers, activity plans are usually kept flexible so there\u2019s no disappointment in not receiving their expected activity. However, in the eyes of Midland\u2019s Open Door\u2019s Outreach Operations Director Bob Marsh, finding a project that truly sparks the interest of the volunteer is key.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoorvol.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16955\" width=\"755\" height=\"491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoorvol.png 1007w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoorvol-300x195.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoorvol-80x52.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoordonhow-1024x682.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16954\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoordonhow-1024x682.png 1024w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoordonhow-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoordonhow-80x53.png 80w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoordonhow.png 1028w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoorwhatdon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16956\" width=\"720\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoorwhatdon.png 960w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoorwhatdon-300x202.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/opendoorwhatdon-80x54.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy favorite way to engage the volunteers is to invite them over to have lunch in the soup kitchen together,\u201d Marsh said. \u201cWe go and have lunch together in the soup kitchen one day, and take a tour of the facility, and then we discuss different opportunities and show the volunteers around the campus. These are things that I&#8217;ve done in the past and it&#8217;s what sparks the volunteers\u2019 interest the most. Because what I really want to do is align the things that we need to get done with the interests of the volunteers. If the volunteers are happy, that&#8217;s where I&#8217;d like to focus their energy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who find volunteering isn\u2019t their preference, there are also plenty of charity opportunities to give back to the community. Instead of volunteering, students can donate to the Midland Sharing Tree Project, either in-person or online. Students can also donate directly to the Salvation Army or United Way individually to support the community. The Open Door always welcomes in-season clothing and food donations; home-cooked meals of any cuisine are enjoyed, as well as individually wrapped baked goods. Posts on their Facebook page also outline any specific needs the Open Door has. Interested students can contact the Open Door for more information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/United-Way-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16944\" width=\"676\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/United-Way-1.png 901w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/United-Way-1-300x235.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/United-Way-1-80x63.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unitedwaydon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16966\" width=\"725\" height=\"329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unitedwaydon.png 966w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unitedwaydon-300x136.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unitedwaydon-80x36.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 725px) 100vw, 725px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/infosalvationarmydon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16950\" width=\"767\" height=\"358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/infosalvationarmydon.png 1022w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/infosalvationarmydon-300x140.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/infosalvationarmydon-80x37.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/salvationarmydoninperson.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16959\" width=\"731\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/salvationarmydoninperson.png 974w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/salvationarmydoninperson-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/salvationarmydoninperson-80x52.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/onlinedonsalvationarmy.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16958\" width=\"718\" height=\"239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/onlinedonsalvationarmy.png 957w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/onlinedonsalvationarmy-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/onlinedonsalvationarmy-80x27.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 718px) 100vw, 718px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/salvationarmyvol.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16961\" width=\"764\" height=\"653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/salvationarmyvol.png 1018w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/salvationarmyvol-300x256.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/salvationarmyvol-80x68.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 764px) 100vw, 764px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>At DHS, students can give through the Toys for Tots program, which will run as a donating contest between third hour classes from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. New, unwrapped toys and gifts for children of all ages are accepted. Donations received are usually for toys for younger children, but the gifts will go to middle-schoolers and high-schoolers as well. Makeup, games, books, and anything else children or teens may enjoy are great donations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/toys4tots.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16965\" width=\"676\" height=\"304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/toys4tots.png 901w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/toys4tots-300x135.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/toys4tots-80x36.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Business and marketing teacher Erin Royalty\u2019s Marketing classes will also be running their annual Make-a-Wish Market from Nov. 28 till Dec. 9. Marketing students will post ads around the school and on social media for different products and services they\u2019ll sell during this time. All proceeds will go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which aims to grant a wish for every child diagnosed with a critical illness, such as leukemia. Make-a-Wish hopes by fulfilling these dreams, sick children will find the strength to fight or even overcome their illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/makeawishdondhs.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16953\" width=\"676\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/makeawishdondhs.png 901w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/makeawishdondhs-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/makeawishdondhs-80x42.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>No matter if directly through volunteering or indirectly via donations, students possess the power to improve the lives of others and make the holidays brighter for everyone. It doesn\u2019t have to be much; sometimes just being there and interacting with others is help enough. At the Open Door, Marsh always welcomes people to come and have a meal with the guests. It\u2019s no inconvenience; there\u2019s food to share and the company is appreciated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Monday through Saturday, the soup kitchen starts at 11:30 am. Arriving at the porch, the only thing asked of visitors is what name they\u2019d like to be called, so staff can keep track of the number of meals served. Then volunteers will serve food and drinks from a buffet-style spread, and visitors can sit down and chat with the guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSometimes people feel a little weird about doing that,\u201d Marsh said. \u201cAnd that&#8217;s why I invite people to come do a touring lunch with me. Then I can go with you that first time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the first visit, Marsh lets mealtime visitors stop in independently. Even though Marsh won\u2019t be there with them, visitors shouldn\u2019t feel any hesitation to stop by whenever. Marsh hopes they do visit often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf you have the courage to come and do that on your own, you&#8217;re always welcome,\u201d Marsh said. \u201cAnybody&#8217;s welcome to come into the soup kitchen. I invite people to do that as a kind of icebreaker, to show people that, you know, these are just people no different than you and me, going through some hard times. And just to be somebody that is willing to listen, willing to smile, willing to laugh, willing to help goes so far.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It wasn\u2019t long before conversations restarted. We tugged and we lugged, we piled and pulled, chatting and laughing all the while. Though we\u2019d been grumbling, it was nice to spend time with each other and grow closer as a group. An hour later, pink-cheeked and smiling, we folded up the tarp and admired the green [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14213,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16938","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-3feature"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Helping out during the holidays - UPDATE ONLINE<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Helping out during the holidays - UPDATE ONLINE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It wasn\u2019t long before conversations restarted. We tugged and we lugged, we piled and pulled, chatting and laughing all the while. Though we\u2019d been grumbling, it was nice to spend time with each other and grow closer as a group. An hour later, pink-cheeked and smiling, we folded up the tarp and admired the green [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"UPDATE ONLINE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DHSUpdate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-12-05T15:22:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-12-05T15:22:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Elisa Costeux\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@DowHighUpdate\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@DowHighUpdate\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Elisa Costeux\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Elisa Costeux\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7383181d93b79e5f952b1d948593f5a2\"},\"headline\":\"Helping out during the holidays\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-12-05T15:22:48+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-12-05T15:22:52+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1438,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/bsa.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"FEATURE\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/\",\"name\":\"Helping out during the holidays - UPDATE ONLINE\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/bsa.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-12-05T15:22:48+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-12-05T15:22:52+00:00\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/bsa.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/bsa.png\",\"width\":901,\"height\":464},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"UPDATE ONLINE\",\"description\":\"H.H. Dow High School&#039;s award winning news source\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Update Online\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/09\\\/Wordpress-icon.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/09\\\/Wordpress-icon.png\",\"width\":256,\"height\":256,\"caption\":\"Update Online\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/DHSUpdate\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/DowHighUpdate\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/dowhighupdate\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7383181d93b79e5f952b1d948593f5a2\",\"name\":\"Elisa Costeux\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/update.midlandps.org\\\/index.php\\\/author\\\/costeuxex\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Helping out during the holidays - UPDATE ONLINE","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Helping out during the holidays - UPDATE ONLINE","og_description":"It wasn\u2019t long before conversations restarted. We tugged and we lugged, we piled and pulled, chatting and laughing all the while. Though we\u2019d been grumbling, it was nice to spend time with each other and grow closer as a group. An hour later, pink-cheeked and smiling, we folded up the tarp and admired the green [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/","og_site_name":"UPDATE ONLINE","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DHSUpdate\/","article_published_time":"2022-12-05T15:22:48+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-12-05T15:22:52+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa.png","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"Elisa Costeux","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@DowHighUpdate","twitter_site":"@DowHighUpdate","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Elisa Costeux","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/"},"author":{"name":"Elisa Costeux","@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#\/schema\/person\/7383181d93b79e5f952b1d948593f5a2"},"headline":"Helping out during the holidays","datePublished":"2022-12-05T15:22:48+00:00","dateModified":"2022-12-05T15:22:52+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/"},"wordCount":1438,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa.png","articleSection":["FEATURE"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/","url":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/","name":"Helping out during the holidays - UPDATE ONLINE","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa.png","datePublished":"2022-12-05T15:22:48+00:00","dateModified":"2022-12-05T15:22:52+00:00","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/2022\/12\/helping-out-during-the-holidays\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bsa.png","width":901,"height":464},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/","name":"UPDATE ONLINE","description":"H.H. Dow High School&#039;s award winning news source","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#organization","name":"Update Online","url":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wordpress-icon.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wordpress-icon.png","width":256,"height":256,"caption":"Update Online"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DHSUpdate\/","https:\/\/x.com\/DowHighUpdate","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dowhighupdate\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/#\/schema\/person\/7383181d93b79e5f952b1d948593f5a2","name":"Elisa Costeux","url":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/author\/costeuxex\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16938","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14213"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16938"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16938\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17008,"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16938\/revisions\/17008"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16938"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16938"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/update.midlandps.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16938"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}