I enjoy philanthropy writing and editing, including books, magazine articles, and website content. My article for The Woodlands City Lifestyle explores the satisfaction of giving back, the importance of getting involved, and the many lives touched by acts of kindness.
Opportunities to Serve: Connecting with The Junior League of The Woodlands and Other Amazing Organizations
Article by Melanie Saxton
Photography by Bex Wood
Originally published in The Woodlands City Lifestyle
The Woodlands is filled with diverse people from various walks of life, and fortunately, the opportunities to volunteer are just as diverse. For every cause near and dear to our hearts, there’s a place to give back.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is a labor of love that is absolutely vital to the day-to-day operations of nonprofits, bringing monumental blessings to the community. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of supporting those in need, and giving back can also yield rewards on an interpersonal and career level.
According to Shelly Mark of the Junior League of The Woodlands, donating our time and energy changes our lives as well as the lives of others. “Volunteering enables us to build friendships with people who are united around a common cause,” she says. “We develop and enhance skillsets that help in our professional lives and personal missions.”
Throughout her life, Shelly moved a lot. “Family and community were where you were in the moment,” she says. Settling in The Woodlands ten years ago brought a sense of connection, and Shelly became involved with passionate people who were energized by making a difference. Today, she is chairing one of the most vital outreaches held each January — the Little Black Dress Initiative.
An Awareness Event
How do you create an annual event that highlights issues affecting others for a lifetime? From January 23–27, The Little Black Dress social media campaign will highlight Junior League-driven initiatives, especially those that address poverty and its effect on women and children in our local communities.
Sharing social media posts and wearing a little black dress or a Little Black Dress t-shirt will help spread awareness and raise funds. Past years’ efforts raised over $55,000 for the 13.1% of women and children in our area who live in poverty.
Be Involved!
Consider joining Junior League during its membership drive this coming spring or other amazing nonprofits throughout Montgomery County. Learn more at jlthewoodlands.org.
SIDEBAR
These worthy organizations can use your help!
Angel Reach — angelreach.org
Children’s Books on Wheels — childrensbooksonwheels.org/
Children’s Safe Harbor — childrenssafeharbor.org
Community Assistance Center — cac-mctx.org
CASA — casaspeaks4kids.com
Home Place of Texas — hpotx.org
Interfaith Services of The Woodlands — woodlandsinterfaith.org
Junior League of The Woodlands — jlthewoodlands.org/
Meals on Wheels — mowmc.org/
Montgomery County Food Bank — mcfoodbank.org/volunteer-with-us-conroe-tx/
National Charity League — nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/thewoodlands/
Yes to Youth —sayyestoyouth.org/
Do You Need Help with Philanthropy Writing or Editing?
If your manuscript could use a second set of eyes, contact me at melaniesaxton@icloud.com, and let’s get started!