Greeting Creators!

December is here and winter is just around the corner! Let's welcome this new season with a warm beverage - we've been loving teas lately! 🌟

Let's start this month off right with a fun joke! Get the answer at the end of the newsletter. 😄

What did the tree say after a long winter?

GIVING TUESDAY is December 2, 2025!

Who helped you keep going when life felt overwhelming? Honor them by giving hope to someone Today

After the rush of holiday shopping, Giving Tuesday is a time to give back to what truly matters: our local community! Your support of Killeen Creators helps us combat hunger through community gardens that provide fresh, healthy food to our community. Our programs also help support recovery and healing through gardening and art, offering a space for growth, connection, and renewal.

Click the Picture to Donate

Every gift helps us grow more produce, empower more volunteers, and nourish more neighbors. THANK YOU!

AmeriCorps Corner

AmeriCorps members are definitely dedicated to SERVICE, but they also know how to have FUN!

>Here's a silly video of a glimpse - behind the scenes!

COMMUNITY GARDENS

Gardening with Garret - Winter Gardening Tips

Do You Know How to Protect Your Outdoor Plants from a Cold Snap?

Do You Know How to Protect Your Outdoor Plants from a Cold Snap? Before a large dip in temperatures when it might frost is to heavily mulch your outdoor pots and beds followed by watering. Watering after heavily mulching will help insulate the roots during low temperatures. Depending on what you have in the garden you may want to cover your crops with a Frost Blanket, Row Cover, or a tarp. If you don't have any of those, an old sheet or blanket will do!

If you have plants in pots or boxes, moving some plants into your house or even along the side of your house will protect your plants.

REMINDER: All plants are different and have different needs! Doing your research for what you have is important and worthwhile!

Texas Arbor Day

We had a good turnout for our Texas Arbor Day ceremony which was a combined effort between Killeen Creators and our partners at the Killeen Garden Club. We planted two pear trees in honor of a community member, Betsey Rolston, who died tragically in a car accident earlier this year. Her daughter, Jessamy, wanted her mother honored with a fruit tree that would be there to feed our community. In addition to honoring our lost community member, our Board Chair, Tess Griffin, shared the following information about Arbor Day at the event:

Some of you gathered here today might be confused and thinking, "I'm fairly sure Arbor Day is in April? What are we doing celebrating it in November?!

While National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, Texas made an intentional choice. Our state officially set Texas Arbor Day as the first Friday in November - a decision rooted (pun intended!) in what's best for our trees and our climate. In much of the state, springtime can already be too hot for young trees to take root and thrive. By planting in the fall, we give new trees the best possible start: cooler weather, more moisture, and plenty of time to establish strong root systems before facing the heat of a Texas summer.

That's why the late fall and early winter months are considered the ideal tree planting season here. Trees planted now have months to grow steady and strong before the stress of summer arrives.

Trees do so much more than give us shade and beauty; they also feed our communities. From pecans and peaches to citrus and figs, many of our Texas trees provide fresh, local food that nourishes families and supports wildlife.

So today, as we celebrate Texas Arbor Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the trees that make our neighborhoods, parks, and cities more beautiful, the same trees that cool our air, feed our people, and keep Texas thriving for generations to come.

OAR - Operation Art of Recovery

10th St. Studio & Recovery Clubhouse

OAR's Mission is to draw our military and artist communities together to create spaces and opportunities for hope and healing through art and creativity .

Here's our DECEMBER Calendar!

While we honor drop-ins if there are open seats, we encourage you to sign up on Eventbrite to make SURE there's room. Click this link or the calendar below to reserve your seat!

MEMBERS - the Members code for Eventbrite is KCMembers25

REMINDER!

Killeen Creators Studio will be CLOSED
December 25th – January 1st for our winter break.
Our community gardens will continue to be open to be able to harvest and relax.

Seeds of Recovery

Seeds of Recovery is a peer-led recovery model where people from all backgrounds and anyone seeking wellness - can grow together in self-understanding, resilience, and community connection.

The 12 Seeds of Recovery is a re-imagined version of the 12 Steps model, focused on being trauma-informed culturally humble, to be inclusive of diverse spiritual beliefs and Recovery journeys. The 12 Seeds of Recovery are: Awareness, Safety, Clarity, Truth, Witness, Healing, Responsibility, Boundaries, Community, Practice, Purpose, and Legacy . These 12 seeds are created to show that healing and growth is not linear. There is no one path to take, so please view this as a spiral or like a garden.

If you are interested in joining, please SHOW UP or sign up on our Eventbrite! Here is the link for your convenience.

TUESDAYS 4:30-6pm @ KC Recovery Center 701 N 10th St, Killeen

QUILTS FOR KIDS

The Bell County Child Welfare Board "Rainbow Rooms" are a store-like setting where a case worker can go to obtain items that each child needs, free of charge. We have 3 Rainbow Rooms in Bell County that serve all children in CPS care as an emergency resource center.

Killeen Creators' have been busy cutting donated fabric into 10 inch squares and sewing love into every stitch so our most vulnerable community children can have a comforting item of their own while going through challenges.

The Rainbow Rooms are supplied through community donations, grants and fundraisers and are in constant need of items for children from newborn to 18 years. Onesies, Bottles, Pacifiers, sippy cups, bibs, thermometers, baby wipes, baby wash, baby shampoo and lotion along with elementary school age clothing are in constant demand. They accept new items only to ensure the children have items that are theirs alone.

You can check them out at bellcountychildwelfareboard.weebly.com or call KC's Vice Chair, Sandra Blankenship, Bell County Child Welfare Board Rainbow Room Coordinator at 254-768-7231

PEER SUPPORT

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month

Finding Light in a Dark Season

As the days grow shorter and the holidays approach, many people feel the weight of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a type of depression that follows the changing seasons. For some, it's not just the gray skies or cold weather; it's also the pressure to feel festive when their hearts feel heavy or alone.

If that sounds familiar, please know you're not alone. The holidays can stir up grief, memories, or isolation, even in the middle of celebrations. It's okay to step back, set boundaries, and care for your mental health. Small things - like spending time in natural light, moving your body, connecting with someone you trust, or creating something with your hands - can help lift the weight, little by little.

And if you notice someone withdrawing or struggling, reach out. A simple message, a shared cup of tea, or an invitation to walk outside can make a bigger difference than you might realize.

This season, let's remember that kindness, warmth, and connection are the real lights of the holidays - and they shine brightest when we share them.

With that being said here are some tips on how to get through the holidays:

Prioritize self-care Say "no": It's okay to decline invitations or take breaks from stressful social obligations. Get outside: Spend time in fresh air and sunlight, which can help improve your mood.

• Focus on your senses: Engage in calming activities like listening to music or taking a gentle walk.
• Limit alcohol: Be mindful that alcohol can worsen depression.
• Eat and sleep well: These basic needs are crucial for your mental health.

Manage your emotions

• Acknowledge your feelings: Allow yourself to feel sad, grief, or stress without judgment.
• Don't compare: Avoid comparing your experience to the "jolly" image of the holidays.
• Break down tasks: If you have obligations, break large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
• Stick to a budget: Financial stress can exacerbate depression, so plan your spending carefully.

Stay connected and seek support

• Stay in touch: Don't withdraw completely. Reach out to friends and family, even for a brief conversation.
• Confide in someone: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional about how you are feeling.
• Seek community: Consider volunteering, which can provide a sense of purpose.

NARCAN – Harm Reduction Program

We offer FREE Narcan to those who complete the online training and provide us with proof of completion. This online training takes 20 minutes and is totally FREE! SCAN the QR code to the RIGHT to be sent to the training!

Mutual Aid Program

Killeen Creators has a Mutual Aid Program where you can come into the studio and get up to 5 items per day of canned and boxed foods, hygiene products, feminine hygiene products, and even clothes!

Each garden has an essentials box that has food free to grab and donate, along with lending libraries with a take-one-give-one mentality.

If you are interested in donating to Killeen Creators Mutual Aid Program, we accept almost anything! Here is a small list of things we could use:

• Mens Jeans
• Men and women winter gear
• Toiletries for both men and women (like toothbrushes and sanitary napkins)

Anything you can give is appreciated! All goes back to the community.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Talking Trash!

Talking Trash is a group designed to help keep the community and mind clean. For a few hours a couple times a month we will walk around the community to pick up litter, this space gives you an opportunity to let out any thoughts that need to be spoken aloud or holding silence when needed. Join us in picking up trash while talking trash!

Power Surge

In September Free My City Outreach, Inc hosted Power Surge, an event all about giving the community the love they deserve. From performances, giveaways, art, games, free food and groceries it was a night to remember. Killeen Creators was there, hosting a booth at Kelly Flading Memorial Garden.

Safe Harbor Warrant Forgiveness Program

December 1 - 31 is Killeen's Safe Harbor Warrant Forgiveness Program, where citizens with outstanding warrants can visit the Killeen Municipal Court (200 East Avenue D) without fear of arrest-all warrant fees will be waived. Participants may also qualify for community service options or fine reductions based on ability to pay. For details, call (254) 501-7850 or email municipalcourt@killeentexas.gov. Learn more and see the current warrant listing at www.killeentexas.gov/court.

Did you know that you may be able to do your court ordered community service with Killeen Creators? Speak to James to find out more.

To be clear, this is Killeen only, not for warrants from other cities or from Bell County.

BELL COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS

In the November 2025 election, Texans voted on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution and all 17 passed. These included measures such as new property tax exemptions, the creation of a Dementia Prevention Research Fund, an animal feed tax exemption, funding for the Texas Water Fund, and expanded support for the Texas State Technical College system, among others.

While these results will shape our state's future, voter participation here in Bell County was alarmingly low! Out of more than 230,000 registered voters, only 32,308 cast a ballot, meaning nearly 200,000 people stayed home. When so few take part, our democracy loses some of its strength and representation.

Our next election is March 3, 2026. Please mark your calendar now and make a plan to vote, and encourage your friends, neighbors, and family members to do the same! Your vote truly matters -- and if you don't think so, remember that just a couple of years ago, one of our local elections for city council ended in a tie vote. Your vote could have made the difference!! Our community is stronger when we all have a say in the decisions that affect us.

If you have questions about voting in Texas, whether it be about voter ID laws, vote by mail rules, about when to vote, where to vote, how to register to vote, how the voting process works, or what is on the ballot, you can email Tess@killeencreators.org. Don't fear, there are no "dumb" questions when it comes to becoming an informed and empowered voter!!

Here is the answer to the joke of the newsletter.

What a re-leaf! We hope this month will be full of love and comfort, till next time! Lots of Love Killeen Creators and Americorps Team

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Killeen Creators

701 N 10th St, Killeen TX 76541|254-213-2210

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