Hardin Helping Hands continues commitment to community
HARDN — Hardin Helping Hands, founded in October 2019, is a robust non-profit organization deeply rooted in the community of Hardin, Texas. Our core mission is multifaceted: to strengthen the bonds within the community, proactively support local growth, and collaborate seamlessly with various entities, including the school district, churches, organizations, and government agencies, in order to effi ciently coordinate resources for the greater good.
A pinnacle initiative of Hardin Helping Hands is the Students First program. Launched in the 2020-2021 school year at the Hardin Independent School District’s Elementary campus, this program has evolved into a cornerstone of our efforts. It goes beyond merely providing new clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other essentials to students in need; it encapsulates a commitment to the holistic well-being of these students and their families. Commencing with the 2022-2023 school year, we have successfully expanded the program to encompass all campuses, amplifying our impact on the educational community.
Our commitment to community engagement and celebration is exemplified through the orchestration of annual events, including the Hardin Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, the Citizen of the Year Award, and the Christmas Parade. These events, which have become cherished traditions, not only uplift the spirits of the community but also serve as platforms for businesses to showcase their offerings. Despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we persevered, introducing the Christmas Parade in 2021, complete with free booths for local businesses, creating an avenue for them to connect with the community.
Beyond the celebratory events, Hardin Helping Hands is deeply involved in initiatives that address essential needs that even go beyond state lines. We have orchestrated food drives, coordinated back-to-school supply drives, provided Christmas Dinner Baskets to families in need, and made gift-in-kind donations to other organizations. The impact of our collective efforts is quantifiable: In 2020 through 2022 alone, we have extended assistance to 77 students through the Students First program, distributed Christmas Dinner Baskets to 36 families, provided donated slippers to approximately 50 Meals on Wheels clients and approximately 20 CASA of Liberty children, facilitated the distribution of 9,638 donated items to Hardin ISD campuses through our Back-To-School Supply Drive, and facilitated the distribution of donated items to The House of Destiny in Votaw, Texas, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church-Marysee in Moss Hill, Texas, and Love Without Walls in Amory, Mississippi to tornado victims.
Our dedication to collaboration extends to local businesses, providing them with a platform during our events to showcase their products and services. This initiative has grown steadily, with 13 booths present during our 2022 Christmas Parade, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between Hardin Helping Hands and the local business community.
In our forward- looking vision, we aim to achieve ambitious goals. These include raising $ 10,000 through our BBQ Fundraiser, Silent Auction, and Raffle on May 4 at the Hardin High School Cafeteria, sponsoring a Back-To-School Supply Drive for Hardin ISD Students and School Nurses in July, completing the 2023-2024 Students First Program by July 2024, starting the 2024-2025 Students First Program in August 2024, expanding our Students First Program to provide school supplies for each participant, and initiating a Comfort Bag Drive for children involved in crises in the Fall of 2024. Additionally, we are actively recruiting volunteers and exploring alternative fundraising solutions. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our sustainability and ability to expand our impact rely on the continued generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, and grants.
Hardin Helping Hands continues to be a beacon of support and community enrichment. Our dedication to strengthening community bonds, providing essential resources, and fostering a spirit of collaboration remains unwavering. As we move forward, we are committed to evolving with the needs of the community, embracing new challenges, and enhancing the well-being of individuals and families in Hardin and beyond. We express our sincere gratitude to the community, volunteers, and supporters who make our endeavors possible.