Give to those in need: The Mustard Seed and charitable events

Image
  • Aaron, Amber, and their infant son, Aaron Jr., regained hope, stability and dignity after losing everything when a fire destroyed their Kissimmee home in Blossom Park Villas. The Mustard Seed fully furnished the family’s new home, as well as provided them with clothing and new baby items.
    Aaron, Amber, and their infant son, Aaron Jr., regained hope, stability and dignity after losing everything when a fire destroyed their Kissimmee home in Blossom Park Villas. The Mustard Seed fully furnished the family’s new home, as well as provided them with clothing and new baby items.
Body

Many families are choosing to give back this season, rather than give to one another. There are several local organizations in the area that are always dedicated to volunteering their time to those in need – such as the Mustard Seed of Central Florida.

The Mustard Seed is a nonprofit furniture and clothing bank of 32 years, providing basic household furnishings such as beds, sofas, kitchen tables or chairs, and much more, to Central Florida families after experiencing homelessness, personal tragedy, or natural disaster. In the last year alone, the organization served 1,263 families – 25 percent of which reside in Osceola County.

In order to provide one family a full house of furniture, The Mustard Seed must raise $231. A gift of $19 per month can provide a family in need with basic necessities to make a house their home.

Everyone is invited to support The Mustard Seed this season by giving a monetary gift. Donations can be made online at https://mustardseedfla.org/ get-involved/give-a-secure-gift/.

Wanting to give back in another way? Consider attending an event that supports a good cause – such as Give Kids the World’s all-new Night of a Million Lights, or Jolly Creek Holiday Festival and Marketplace which is donating a portion of its proceeds to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World

Something special is happening at Give Kids the World this season. For the very first time, the village is decorated in millions of lights. A shimmering 150-foot tunnel leads the way to 45 decorated villas – all to create a festive kaleidoscope of sights and sounds.

Admission to Night of a Million Lights includes complimentary ice cream and hot chocolate to help put guests in the holiday spirit, plus unlimited access to the village’s accessible rides and attractions. Santa is making appearances throughout the season, with some other special surprises.

This event is happening every night from 5 to 10 p.m., through Jan. 3. Give Kids the World is located at 210 S. Bass Road in Kissimmee. To learn more about Night of a Million Lights, or purchase tickets, visit gktw.org/lights.

Jolly Creek Festival and Marketplace

Sleigh bells are ringing all season long at Jolly Creek Holiday Festival and Marketplace — an all-new event featuring a magical light display, live musical performances and visits from Santa Claus himself.

The season-long event, running through Jan. 2, at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, features a Holiday Village of Christmas lights, Festival Stage with live performances by the Jolly Creek Society Orchestra (formerly known for their renowned seasonal performances at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa), “Paw-liday” nights for guests to bring their canine friends, and much more.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Additional donations will be accepted from guests who wish to contribute directly.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is located at 2001 E. Southport Road in Kissimmee. To learn more about Jolly Creek Holiday Festival and Marketplace, or purchase tickets, visit jolly-creek.com.