​On Dec. 8, some of my neighbors and, yes, even those of you who do not live in the areas I represent will have an opportunity to help spread some holiday cheer. All of us, from time to time, could use a reminder of how fortunate we are and the blessings we’ve received. These fortunate circumstances, I hope, will at least prompt some to offer a helping hand to those who are less fortunate.

During the course of this year, we have dedicated at least one day a month to try and do something to make our community better. We have enlisted the help and support of many in our area to join me in a hands-on manner that reflects our shared interests and concerns in trying to improve the lives of others. My goal this month is to make life a bit more cheerful during the holidays for those who are facing difficulties or have hit unexpected roadblocks.

That’s why I’m co-sponsoring “Help for the Holidays,” as I partner with Code Blue Collaborative and Extended Hand Ministries for this December “Serve with Senator Singleton” community service project. We will hold this event Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Noon) at the Extended Hand Ministries Homeless Shelter, 275 Holeman Street in Mount Holly.

We will be involved with a variety of tasks including: sorting toy and gift donations, staffing the food pantry, helping distribute clothing donations, and setting up and prepping community lunch that day.

In addition to the service event, Code Blue Collaborative is collecting gently used winter coats, hats, and gloves as well as new toys and gifts for families in need. My district office, 400 North Church Street, Suite 260, Moorestown, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will serve as a drop-off location for items.  

Occasionally, we ask ourselves, “Why should we do this?” I have sponsored my “Serve with Senator Singleton” community service events since becoming your State Senator this past January. When I contemplate volunteer service and the answer for doing it, I often recall the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said: "Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

If that isn’t the final word about how we should conduct our lives then frankly, I don’t have an alternative. I believe that you begin to love your neighbor by serving your neighbor. I hope that these words will inspire you to take an hour or two of your time and volunteer with an organization that speaks to you, and that would greatly appreciate your help. Or, consider serving alongside me at our next “Serve with Senator Singleton” project at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Fittingly, we will be holding this event on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day next month. If interested, you can RSVP here: Habitat for Humanity Restore

That’s my take, what’s yours?