During the month of December, there are many things people can do to help the community such as donating to a blood drive, food drive, or toy drive. 

One of the ways people can help the community is by donating blood. You must be 17 or older to donate blood. The Red Cross is having two blood drives in the month of December.

 The first one is on Dec. 22 from 12-6 p.m. It will be held at Redeemer Church. The second one is on Dec. 30 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. This one will be held  at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. 

People can also donate money to The Red Cross by going to their website redcross.org. The donations are used to give people food, shelter, and help respond to natural disasters or other disasters such as house fires.  

You can also donate items to help Oaks Village. Monroe Public Schools is collecting items such as food, clothing, toiletries, and toys for Oaks Village. Oaks Village is an organization that provides transitional housing and serves as an emergency warming shelter.

 You can drop off these items during school hours from Monday through Friday at schools such as Arborwood South, Custer, Monroe High School, and Monroe Middle School, until Dec. 21. 

Another way to help the community is to donate money for food pantries. MCOP, a charitable organization has a food pantry that you can donate to. You can donate money for them to buy food by going to their website, monroecountyop.org. 

Taking part in any of these things would be a great way to help the community.