It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas especially for the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Class! COVID can’t stop us from spreading holiday joy. Every holiday season our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students participate in their class secret elf exchange which we were still able to make happen this year regardless of the circumstances. Secret Elf has been a fun Christmas tradition for kids for many years.
Prior to Thanksgiving Break, facilitators Ms. Donna and Kathy put together all of the components of this activity to make it simple for students to accomplish. Each student was given the rules and a budget of $15 for gifts. During their Community Based Instruction (CBI), the facilitators presented a PowerPoint with a variety of gift options that students could choose. A picture and the price for each gift was shown, and students marked down their top five items. This created their Wishlist. The facilitators distributed students’ lists to their respective secret elf allowing them to buy a gift they wanted. During this same CBI lesson, students also were taught how to calculate sales tax and emphasized the importance of it in order to stay under the budget.
Then, right before the students took off for Thanksgiving Break, they had to come by the school to pick up the set of rules, gift cards, gift bags, and everything else that was included for this activity. At this time, each student received their secret elf name, their secret elf’s Wishlist along with a $15 gift card to buy his/her presents. During Thanksgiving break, the students went shopping, wrapped the gifts and filled out a holiday card.
This past Friday, the students came by the school for their holiday Secret Elf gift exchange. One at a time, students came out of their car and received their gifts along with delicious treats and goodie bags from their facilitators and HDS Foundation.
We want to wish our BRIDGES students and facilitators a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!
HDS Gives Back and Spreads Joy this Holiday Season!
‘Tis the season to be Jolly! It’s the time of year where we look forward to gathering with friends and family, exchange gifts, and celebrate holiday traditions. In keeping with the spirit of giving, the HDS Companies is committed to supporting the overall well-being of our communities through social responsibility and company values. As part of our tradition to give back, HDS supports various charitable endeavors and participates in community service activities throughout the year, especially during the holiday season.
At HDS, we believe that volunteering and giving back through service projects is just as impactful as providing financial support to our communities. Whether by hosting back-to-school and toy drives, serving meals at homeless shelters, or participating in food drives that offer hot meals to homebound U.S. Veterans, seniors, and individuals with special needs, our workforce volunteer group, the HDS Contenders, enjoys giving back through volunteering.
This year has been challenging for everyone; the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed our world and financially devastated many families. During this holiday season, it will be more evident to see families struggling to make ends meet and many parents who will be unable to afford holiday gifts for their children. So how will HDS spread joy in a world of self-isolation?
The answer is: by spreading joy in safe and socially distant ways in our communities! This holiday season, HDS has chosen to support Children’s Harbor, a foster care organization whose mission is to keep families together. The Harbor ensures that brothers and sisters as well as pregnant or parenting teen moms and their babies can live together in a safe and loving home while in foster care. Throughout December, HDS Contenders will be purchasing toys and gift cards for the children through a virtual angel tree. We will be making a special delivery to ensure that those served by the Harbor have a memorable holiday. Together with other Harbor community partners, HDS has donated holiday decorations, and our volunteers will help decorate and light-up the Harbor.
Over the last 22 years, giving back has been at the heart of HDS and has always been a part of our company’s mission. We are grateful for our HDS Contender volunteers who have become this year’s Harbor Keepers.
Happy Thanksgiving 2020
Holiday Cheer Thanksgiving Food Drive
Pumpkin spice, and everything nice! November is here, and the holidays are near. The month of November is a time where we remember what we are thankful for, celebrate our blessings, and give back to the community. As new members of the Miami Lakes community, the HDS Companies is fortunate to sponsor this year’s Holiday Cheer event hosted by S.T.E.P.S. in the Right Direction, Inc. and Neighbors 4 Neighbors.
On Saturday, November 14, 2020, HDS Companies supported the town of Miami Lakes in delivering hot, nutritious meals, essential products, and spread holiday cheer to Seniors, Veterans, and people with special needs. This particular group of people are homebound and live in the Town of Miami Lakes, Hialeah and surrounding communities.
We were super excited for this wonderful opportunity to give back. There are so many people who are truly in need now, more than ever, due to the world’s current circumstances that we are always looking for ways to donate and help in any way possible. With the holidays approaching, the HDS Companies encourages you to join us this month to give thanks and spread kindness like confetti in your community.
As we consider volunteering and getting involved, it is highly important to be aware of the latest COVID-19 safety tips to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you such as: social distancing, cleaning your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, wear a mask, disinfect shared spaces, and just following safety protocols.
HDS is dedicated to bettering the world and bridging the gap between nations which binds us all together, one kind act at a time. Helping feels SO GOOD!
World Kindness Day!
Kindness – a universal language that binds people together regardless of race, religion, gender, political affiliation, and location. November 13th is World Kindness Day! World Kindness Day is an international holiday which was founded in 1998 and is celebrated around the world each year. This special day promotes the importance of being kind to others, yourself, and the world. The purpose of this movement is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power! Let’s help everyone understand that compassion for others has the power to bridge the gaps!
Today, more than ever, the world can use a little more kindness especially in the Autism and disabled community. As mentioned last month, those with disabilities are two to three times more likely to experience bullying or negativity. The HDS Foundation wants to create change through spreading kindness, radiating positivity, and giving teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) confidence as we mentor, guide, and support them towards independence. Through our programs and initiatives, we are building productive, meaningful, and independent lives. The HDS Foundation remains committed to rise up by lifting others!
How did World Kindness Day Start?
It was first introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. This organization was formed at a Tokyo conference in 1997 when Japan brought kindness organizations of multiple nations together and emphasized the necessity of a global kindness movement.
What is the purpose?
It serves as a reminder to all that simple acts of kindness have power and that together, we can all work to create a kinder world. Every kind act, even the smallest one, creates a ripple effect you can’t begin to imagine.
How do YOU celebrate?
Individuals are encouraged to go out of their way to be kind to others, whether that is at home, work, or out in public. Be sure to let others around you know how much you appreciate their kindness and generosity.
Simple ways to be kind:
- Write positive messages on post-its and leave them for people to find
- Call a relative or friend you have not spoken to in a while
- Pick up trash you see on the ground outside and throw it in the garbage
- Hold the door open for someone
- Pay for a stranger’s coffee or meal
- Compliment someone
- Surprise someone with flowers
- Offer to help with someone’s errands
THE LIST IS ENDLESS! The small things are usually what makes a big impact on others. On November 13th, share your act of kindness!
For more information on World Kindness Day, click here!
Sources:
https://inspirekindness.com/blog/world-kindness-day#h_27519547311570018375590
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