"Volunteering is not a choice, it's a responsibility"- Unknown

Wow! Is it really December already? I keep saying it every day, time flies... We're right on the middle of the holidays, visiting friends and family. Making preparations for Christmas day. It is really awesome how we are able to have those family moments with out loved ones. Our smiles and laughs can be heard and seen all around. But as we get more into this time of joy and giving let's not forget those who in need. 

"More than 40,000 people experience homelessness in Houston annually".

"It is sorrowful that there's people who will not have a warm plate..."

It's really sad to think about those who will not have a Merry Christmas. It is sorrowful that there's people who will not have a warm plate, their loved ones, or a place to sleep this Christmas. It does not matter whether you are Christian, White or Black, Poor or Rich, Male or Female, we all have the responsibly to help the less unfortunate ones because we're all human. It's kinda funny how my church had a banquet on Christmas Eve, there were so many volunteers (which was great) but not a lot of people to serve to. It is good that we had so many volunteers that are willing to share their time to help others. But there were so many other churches and organization that were having events for the less unfortunate ones that we were down on people to serve to. 

I always like to say that there's a lesson to be learned from any experience, and the lesson that I learn from my Church's banquet from last year is that; Christmas or any other holiday doesn't have to be "the day" where we all come together to serve the community (not saying that it's wrong). But we should be coming together everyday of the year and helping those in need.

"Over 11,000 students attending schools in Harris County were homeless during the 2010-2011 school year" 

We should keep in mind that there's people who will not have a hot meal everyday. We shouldn't remember this fact on the holidays, we need to have it on our to do list everyday. It is great how we all come together in the holidays to help those in need, but what if we're able to do that everyday? Can you imagine how many we would be able to help? The main reason why I would volunteer would be because; if you are able to help someone break the barriers that keep them homeless (such as hunger), then they would be able to liberate themselves from the chains that keep them bound to poverty. 

It shocking to see how "Houston has the largest homeless population in Texas and the 8th largest in the nation". This type or statistics shows us how there is really a lot of people that are in need right here in Houston... 

 If you are wanting to volunteer somewhere you are welcome to visit VOLUNTEER HOUSTON (http://www.volunteerhouston.org/). This website contain information of volunteering opportunities around you area. 

"A VOLUNTEER is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well and willingly the tasks at hand-namely, being aware of another's needs and doing something about it."- Unknown 

 Statistics gather form the Houston's Police Department (2011 ANNUAL REPORT)