Sunday, October 31, 2010

October 31 - LoveBags

More than 1,000 people now live in New York City's subway system -- up 11 percent in the past year. That is a very mind numbing thought!  I have never been to New York, but I have been in subway systems located in other cities.  I can't imagine living there!  Homelessness and hunger are huge problems all over the country.  Recently, I have been reading about a tent city that is located in my area - Ann Arbor, MI.  By most accounts a fairly affluent community.  Home of the University of Michigan.  Excellent Schools... and a homeless population living in a tent city off the expressway.   Tucked away out of sight... and out of mind for most of us.




LoveBags is doing something about hunger and homelessness - and changing lives in the process!  Homelessness is a huge problem in our cities all across America. We’re all volunteers, and we believe that change begins with a consistent relationship.  LoveBags groups work with homeless individuals on the streets in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Indianapolis, South Bend, Asheville, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Orlando.

A LoveBag is a zip-loc bag with things that make life on the street a little easier. Carry one in your backpack, car, or join a meetup group.  Making a LoveBags is simple! Just take a zip-loc bag, add a water bottle, crackers, fruit cup, some socks, a tuna fish pack, granola bar, and then just a note to say you care!
 


THE OTHER SIDE OF SOUTH BEACH - the humble beginnings of LoveBags:

Over the years I've been down to South Beach a few times to check it out. I've always felt awkwardly out of place amid the perfectly tanned, toned and wealthy who frequent the high-end club and bar scene. However, the summer of '06 I began to go down there regularly with some friends – three, sometimes four nights a week. Our intent, however, wasn't to visit bars, clubs or restaurants.

Before we would go down, a group of us would make 200-plus peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (cookie and water included). Let's just say... I got pretty awesome at making sandwiches. We would meet up with some other people and proceed to bring dinner, PB & J style, to our many homeless friends who would hang at the beach along Ocean Drive.


Anyone who's been to South Beach knows that Ocean Drive is the hottest place to be, lined with it's high-end clubs, bars and restaurants. The beautiful people hang out there and meet other beautiful people and are, well, beautiful together. What most people didn't know is that across the street, less than 40 yards away, were hundreds of men, women and occasionally children who called the beach their home at night. It was on that side that I found beauty.


The homeless gladly welcomed us and became our friends. We knew some of their names, and they all knew ours. Some of them were crazy, some mean, most of them kind and all just wanting to be loved and listened to, reminded that they still had value and dignity. Sometimes we would tell them about Jesus, sometimes not; sometimes we would just listen, or leave a sandwich next to a sleeping body. We became known as the "Angels of the Night" and the "Peanut Butter Bandits."


It was over that period of six months on South Beach that my skewed perceptions of the homeless were changed. I began to really love them (You know it's love when you're tromping across the beach at 2 in the morning). There is one night that I distinctly remember. The cool breeze carried the louder than usual sounds and taunting smells of the weekend our way. I was standing under a palm tree and had just set a PB & J next to a sleeping man. His skin was stretched across his fragile body, emphasizing his sunburned cheekbones and sunken eyes; had it not been for his snoring, I would have been convinced that he was dead. With a heavy sigh I looked across the street and my heart broke. Not for the man next to me, but for the ones across the street.  They had no idea what they were missing.


In their search for meaning and pleasure they were looking in the wrong place – or rather, on the wrong side of the street. As I fed, loved and listened to these people, I experienced the kind of pleasure that I think those across the street were looking for. The ones we fed were poor, dirty, smelly, often drunk, mostly lonely... and all of them made in the image of God. And I began to see that image more clearly. I began to see Jesus more clearly. I felt so privileged to be on the other side of South Beach.


There was one man in particular who God really used to inspire me to help launch what is now happening in Ft. Lauderdale. His name is Phil. When we met him he was holding a sign on the corner of a busy intersection in Miami Lakes. Over the next 6 months, our little group - of mostly poor college-age students - did everything we could to get him off the street; we pooled our money, bought him meals, let him sleep in our cars, paid for him to get his drivers license and countless other things. To be honest, it was sort of an experiment; could God really get a crack-addict off the street and transform his life? …And could he use a bunch of young, hopeful dreamers to do it?


Phil is now a strong believer, faithfully attends a church in Miami and has a wonderful ministry to the homeless out of his own home.  Walking through that transformation process with him did more in my heart than I realized; I saw for the first time that homeless people are just that: people. And that God can redeem their lives. For real.


At the time, I always carried bags of food (what we now refer to as "love bags") for the homeless in my car. We had proof that this whole redemption thing worked, a heart to help and a tangible thing that we could give to the homeless. So we dropped the PB & J's and launched love bags. And we discovered that we weren't the only ones with this heart – there were many, many others. 

The rest is history that is currently in the making.



Get Involved:


Pass Out a LoveBag!
Keep a LoveBag in your car and pass it out to a homeless person on the street, at an intersection, or while you’re waiting in traffic. And, since life on the street means the homeless probably don’t have a place to keep a piggy bank, it’s so much better than money.

Join or Start a Group.
People are relational. We need each other. Whether you’re homeless or whether you’re a volunteer, we all need someone to talk to. A LoveBag is a perfect way to start a conversation, and a opportunity to build a friendship. Find a meetup group in your area, or better yet, start one! Don’t worry, we’ve got tips to help along the way.  (email info@lovebags.org for more info)

Find a group on the LoveBag facebook fan page.








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Source:  http://www.lovebags.org/

Saturday, October 30, 2010

October 30 - Share The Love

What do you care about?  Where can you make a difference? 


Don’t stop yourself from doing a deed just cause it’s small or because just one or few individuals will benefit from it.  Remember, no matter how small the deed; it really does makes a difference.   Make a difference today.



HELP RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE CHARITIES OR CAUSES YOU SUPPORT.   Charities are always looking for ways to increase their visibility and promote their good works.  This idea won't cost a dime and requires a very small commitment of your time.  


It's so easy!  Choose a charity you would like to promote.  Include the URL of the charity in your email signature line. Every email you send out will be an advertisement for your cause. When your email is received, the recipient will have the opportunity to click on the url and learn about your cause.


If you send an average of 10 emails a day, you will promote your cause 300 times in one month. You can change the cause every month or you can stick to one charity.   You never know what positive actions that may create for your cause.  Someone may decide to donate or volunteer after checking out your cause.  If nothing else, it increases awareness for your cause and most charities are looking for ways to increase awareness of their work.





I currently include the following URL with my signature -  www.fmar1.com

Curious? Please check it out, it's a great cause!







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Friday, October 29, 2010

October 29 - Together We Rise




More inspiring young people.... finding a need and filling that need!

 
Together We Rise began with the idea that ordinary people could do extraordinary things. In the summer of 2008,  founder Danny Mendoza was inspired to create his own non-profit organization after a series of events took place in his life. Due to these events, he attempted to volunteer at a local group home but was turned down because of his age. Danny contacted all of his close friends and proposed an idea that would ultimately establish Together We Rise. After a meeting at a local pizza restaurant, the organization was created. Together We Rise now utilizes young adults to make a difference in underprivileged childrens lives. We pride ourselves on our youth and commitment to help pave a new path for our generation. No one in our organization gets paid nor do we intend too.



In less than two years, Together We Rise has raised over a half million dollars for children in foster care. This money has been used for projects such as sports camps, music programs and the remodeling of 6 foster (group) homes. Through the engagement of 200 volunteers (all under the age of 22), TWR has raised awareness about the foster care system, reaching an estimated 40,000 people.


Together We Rise is a 501(c)3 a non-profit organization comprised of motivated young adults. Our vision is to improve the lives of foster children in America, who often find themselves forgotten and neglected by the public. TWR has built a foundation of passionate volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference in underprivileged children's lives. Our foundation has allowed us to put smiles on many children's faces in various ways, including sports camps, music, art, and improving overall living conditions. TWR strives to deliver a sense of normalcy to the children by furnishing them with clothing that actually fit, and by offering support through counseling and mentoring.


We use our age to our advantage when working with children. The entire board is made up of students that range from ages of 15-22. Kids look at us as friends and not just your ordinary church, youth, or volunteer group.


Get Involved:

Donate to Together We Rise.

Become a monthly supporter.  ( for as little as $1. per month)

Other ways to get involved.









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Source:  http://www.twro8.org/

Thursday, October 28, 2010

October 28 - Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

What started as three moms around a kitchen table is now an international foundation working in more than 5,000 sites in 17 countries.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a global leader in the fight against pediatric HIV and AIDS. We’re working in 17 countries around the world to provide HIV prevention, care, and treatment services for children, women, and families—with a mission to eliminate pediatric AIDS.



Elizabeth's Story:The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation was born from the most powerful force of all: a mother’s love for her children. Elizabeth Glaser contracted HIV in a blood transfusion in 1981 while giving birth to her daughter, Ariel. She and her husband, Paul, later learned that Elizabeth had unknowingly passed the virus on to Ariel through breast milk and that their son, Jake, had contracted the virus in utero.


In the course of trying to treat Ariel, the Glasers discovered that drug companies and health agencies had no idea that pediatric HIV was prevalent. The only drugs on the market were for adults — nothing had been tested or approved for children.


Ariel lost her battle with AIDS in 1988. Fearing that Jake’s life was also in danger, Elizabeth rose to action. She approached her close friends, Susie Zeegen and Susan DeLaurentis, for help in creating a foundation that would raise money for pediatric HIV and AIDS research.


The Pediatric AIDS Foundation had one critical mission: to bring hope to children with HIV and AIDS. Elizabeth made her first trip to Washington in 1988, when she met with President and Mrs. Reagan, representatives at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and members of Congress. In 1989, the Foundation held its first fundraiser and awarded its first grant for research on the immune dysfunctions in children living with HIV. Dozens more Washington trips and research grants followed.


Elizabeth lost her own battle with AIDS in 1994, and to honor her legacy, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation was renamed The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.


The Foundation Today:

With a global staff of nearly 1,300 – more than 90 percent of whom are in the field – the Foundation has become the leading global nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing pediatric HIV infection and eliminating pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs. And today, because of the highly successful work of the Foundation and its partners, pediatric AIDS has been virtually eliminated in the United States.


We’ve also made remarkable strides throughout the world: more than half of HIV-positive pregnant women in low and middle-income countries now receive medicines to help prevent transmission of HIV to their babies — triple the percentage from just three years earlier. One in four of those women receive their medicines through Foundation supported programs.


Yet despite our progress, nearly 1,200 children are still infected with HIV every day because their mothers don’t have access to the medicines they need to prevent transmission of the virus. There is no cure for HIV infection. Early infant diagnosis is critical, however. When ART is administered as early as possible in the course of infection, it can help children living with HIV lead longer, healthier lives. Taken every day, these medicines can drastically reduce the concentration of HIV in the bloodstream and increase levels of CD4 cells, thereby slowing the progression of the disease.


Sadly, most children still do not have access to ART, and about 50 percent of HIV-positive children will die before their second birthday in the absence of treatment (UNAIDS, Towards Universal Access 2010). We can — and must — change this.
 

Before the Foundation’s inception, children living with HIV and AIDS had no voice. Today, thanks to Elizabeth’s vision and the support of generous donors and partners, we are able to improve the lives of millions of children around the world every year.


Get Involved:

Donate to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Other ways to get involved.








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Source:  http://www.pedaids.org/

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

October 27 - Young Survival Coalition

I want to highlight one more Breast Cancer charity before the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Young women CAN and DO get breast cancer. While breast cancer in young women accounts for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, the impact of this disease is widespread: There are more than 250,000 women living in the U.S. who were diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 or under1, and approximately 10,000 young women will be diagnosed in the next year2. But, despite the fact that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 54.








Young Survival Coalition was founded by three young breast cancer survivors in 1998. All under the age of 35 at diagnosis, they were discouraged by the lack of information and resources available to young women, and concerned about the under-representation of young women in breast cancer studies.




Unlike their post-menopausal counterparts, young women diagnosed with breast cancer face higher mortality rates, fertility issues and the possibility and ramifications of early menopause. The YSC seeks to change the face of breast cancer by: advocating to increase the number of studies about young women and breast cancer; educating young women about the importance of breast self-examination and early detection; and being a point of contact for other young women with breast cancer.




"Young women don't get breast cancer' is a refrain we hear frequently," says Randi Rosenberg, past president of the YSC. "Yet, here we are, right in front of the medical and research communities representing the global voice of all young women living with breast cancer. If they begin studying breast cancer in young women, they may unlock the key to why all women are diagnosed with this deadly disease."




Today, YSC is a growing international group of thousands of survivors and supporters. Embracing the motto, "Action, Advocacy, Awareness," members attend conferences; lobby federal and state legislators; speak at universities, colleges, and health fairs; and run an annual awareness campaign targeted at the medical community - encouraging doctors and researchers to focus more resources on this underserved segment of the population. The YSC also strives to educate and support young women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer.



Young Survival Coalition is based in New York City and has 27 affiliates throughout the United States.



Get Involved:

Donate to Young Survival Coalition.

Find volunteer opportunities at a YSC affiliate location near you. 

Other ways to help YSC.

Shop YSC! 








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Sources:  Young Survival Coalition.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

October 26 - Changing the face of men's health, one moustache at a time!

The Mo, slang for moustache, and November come together each year for Movember.




Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.


The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. The plan was simple – to bring the moustache back as a bit of a joke and do something for men’s health. No money was raised in 2003, but the guys behind the Mo realized the potential a moustache had in generating conversations about men’s health. Inspired by the women around them and all they had done for breast cancer, the Mo Bros set themselves on a course to create a global men’s health movement.


In 2004 the campaign evolved and focused on raising awareness and funds for the number one cancer affecting men – prostate cancer. 432 Mo Bros joined the movement that year, raising $55,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - representing the single largest donation they had ever received.


The Movember moustache has continued to grow year after year, expanding to the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands and Finland. In 2009, global participation of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas climbed to 255,755, with over one million donors raising $42 Million US equivalent dollars for Movember’s global beneficiary partners.


The funds raised through Movember’s US campaign benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.


The PCF uses the money raised by Movember to fund research that is accelerating the discovery of better treatments and ultimately finding a cure for prostate cancer. One such program is the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center’s research, which has recently made a significant breakthrough. They identified 24 different kinds of prostate cancer and how aggressive each is. This should enable scientists to soon be able to answer the agonizing question facing men with prostate cancer: does their cancer need immediate treatment, and if so what is the best treatment, or can it be left alone?


LIVESTRONG uses the money raised by Movember to fund important programs to support young adults and their families battling and surviving cancer. These programs include:  
  • Fertile Hope, an initiative dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.
  • My Planet, an online community of peer support that allows young adults to find and communicate with other young adults whose lives have been affected by cancer.
  • Continuing Nursing Education program on Young Adult Cancer Survivorship. LIVESTRONG encourage nurses to know the warning signs of cancer, understand what types of cancer for which young adults may be at risk, and learn about cancer screening. 


The success of Movember can be directly attributed to the more than 627,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas who have supported our cause since 2003. Movember is sincerely grateful for their efforts and appreciates all they do.  For those of you new to Movember, we challenge you to join us in changing the face of men's health.


The obvious question is why?  The answer is because men lack awareness about the very real health issues they face, have an attitude that they have to be tough- “a real man” and are reluctant to see a doctor about and illness or to go for regular medical checkups.




Get Involved:
Register online as part of a team or as an individual and we will email you all the information you need to get started.

You can also choose to hold your own end of Movember Party for your workplace, town, bar or university and we will send you a free party pack to ensure your event is a sucess.

To check out Movember merchandise click here.








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Sources:  http://campwildcat.org/

Monday, October 25, 2010

October 25 - VOA - Adopt A Family

Today is October 25th and you know what that means!! Two months until Christmas! Each year seems to pass more quickly than the previous year! I am going to start highlighting some of the causes and charities helping others for the holidays to give you some time to decide where you can get involved.

I have mentioned on several occasions that I live in Michigan and the economy in this state is one of the worst in the nation. There are many organizations out there helping people, but they are struggling because donations are down and requests for help are WAY UP!



Today I am highlighting the Adopt A Family program, just one of the many programs administered by Volunteers of America - Michigan.   (Volunteers of America has offices and programs in many states, click on the link at the bottom to locate a branch near you.)


The Adopt A Family program matches families and seniors in need with individual and/or corporate sponsors who "adopt" them for the holidays.   As a sponsor for a family, you can make a cash donation or sponsor directly. Either way, a family in need will receive:

          -New clothes for each child
          -Toys or gift items for each child
          -Food for the whole family



The Adopt A Family program is unique because of the Direct Adopt option. Directly "adopting" a family in need is a personal, hands-on experience! Direct Sponsors receive a family or senior profile and wish list. Using their information the sponsors do the shopping and deliver the items to their adoptee! Sponsors are able to indicate how many children they’d like to help and a specific geographic area and are matched to a family meeting their requests.  What a great way to teach your children about helping others! 


The need is great... there are already over 5,000 families who have applied for the Adopt A Family program this year.


This is an awesome opportunity for families, coworkers or church groups to band together and adopt a family! My wife's workplace does this every year and it is such a great way to give a little back to someone who could use a little help. 



Get involved:

To sponsor a family this Christmas, please contact:

(248) 353-4862
sign up online to be a sponsor
or email emedvinsky@voami.org

Click here to find a Volunteers of America program in your area.








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Source:  Volunteers of America.
               VOA - MI

Sunday, October 24, 2010

October 24 - A Million Little Earth Changing Ideas!


GlobalGiving connects you to over 1,000 pre-screened grassroots charity projects around the world. It's an efficient, transparent way to make an impact with your giving.



Connecting Donors to Doers - GlobalGiving begins with the dedicated, tenacious individuals who are driving change in their communities. From running orphanages and schools, to helping survivors of natural disasters, these people are do-gooders to the core. We connect these "good idea people" with the "generous giver people" and help projects of all sizes receive donations of all sizes.



GlobalGiving connects donors directly at the project level, in contrast to organizations that run projects but maintain control over how contributions are allocated or spent.  Enabling donors to give directly to projects offers them more choice -- donors can browse through a broad range of geographies and themes such as health, education, environment, among others -- and they know exactly how their money will be used. In addition, our highly-efficient online giving platform allows donors to connect and communicate directly with project leaders.





By working through trusted partners, we are able to identify, vet, and promote projects that might not otherwise receive support because of distance, technological difficulties, or language barriers.


GlobalGiving Guaranteed promises donors complete satisfaction with their giving experience, or their money back in the form of a voucher for the original donation amount that can be used to support another project on GlobalGiving.org.   Since 2002, 121,059 donors like you have given $32,533,768 to 3,165 projects. Wonderful!



Click here to view updates from Global Giving projects.



Get Involved:

Find a project to help fund.

Give Global Giving Gift Cards:
GlobalGiving Gift Cards let you give the gift of giving - the recipient gets to choose how the donation is allocated, and then see how their money has been put to work. Gift Cards are available as physical cards, or choose convenient e-card or print at home options!


Other ways to get involved.  (there are many)



Share





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Sources:  http://www.globalgiving.org/

Saturday, October 23, 2010

October 23 - We Will Serve Ministries


They say "necessity is the mother of invention" - well, Jo Sexton would probably tell you "necessity is the mother of inspiration."  Jo and her husband AJ allowed a trying time in their own life to become the catalyst for helping others in need. 

We Will Serve Ministires (WWS) is a totally home grown labor of love born out of one family's loss and now 2 years later over 800 families have been helped!


AJ lost his job in July of 2007 when his stock brokerage firm went out of business due to the collapse of the financial services industry and his ability to provide for the family was practically eliminated. The family liquidated AJ's 401k to pay the bills, and eventually sold all of their remaining investments as well.


Here is Jo's story in her own words:
In the very early morning of Thanksgiving Day, I was posting an ad on the "free" section of Craigslist to donate Aiden's clothing that he had outgrown. I noticed that there was a “wanted” section as well, and the first ad I read was titled “Dear Santa.” It was a desperate cry from a single mother of two who was struggling to make ends meet, and was asking for help as well as a Christmas tree. I immediately wanted to help her, and began searching for free children's clothing and items that would be of use to this mother. As I searched for these items I was shocked at how many people were giving away clothing for free. In the "wanted" section the ads were just as overwhelming, the need so great! I responded to every ad in the free section that would possibly help a family in need, and went from home to home picking up the items. Then I responded to the "wanted" ads and let them know I had what they needed.



Thanksgiving Day I sent out an email to all of our friends and family asking them for their generous donations and before I knew it I had filled up our car. Within that first week we received over 500 pieces of clothing. I then posted my own ad on Craigslist letting families that are in need know that we could help them.



What followed was an email barrage that consumes most of our waking hours. Since Thanksgiving night, more than 300 families in desperate financial need have contacted us. All of these families are either expecting or have children anywhere between newborn to 17 years old. We've welcomed over one hundred of these families into our home, blessed them with clothing & other essential items for their children, and prayed over them.


All of us have, at one time or another, donated clothing and children's items to Goodwill, Church, a neighbor or family member, etc. But ask yourself, out of all of those donations, how many people did you personally impact and create a relationship with?


This is our goal, to not just donate items but to get to know these families, witness to them out of our own struggles giving them a sense of hope, come alongside them and pray over them if they'll allow us. We want to be someone that not only hands these families a bag of clothing, but someone who is willing to listen to them and minister to them, with warm hearts and sincere smiles.


How big will this get? Only God knows, but we're ready and willing to be His faithful servants and to continue to help those in need.


Jo Sexton



The Sexton Family
 We Will Serve is designed to assist parents and caregivers who are struggling to provide their children with clothing and essential baby items via an exchange program.


WWS has collected and are continually accepting donations of gently used clothing, shoes and essential baby items. Currently they have over 3,000 pieces of clothing that have been sorted by gender and sizes (newborn-14/16 in children). They also have essential baby items from diapers and formula to car seats and strollers.


I am always humbled and inspired to learn of the awesome people out there making a difference in their communities! Jo & AJ are the true embodiment of "common man philanthropy!"  I am happy to share their hearts with you and I hope we can all learn a lesson from the Sexton family:

"Do what you can, where you are, with what you have!"


Get Involved: 
 
Donate to We Will Serve Ministries.
 
Contact We Will Serve Ministries for volunteer opportunities ( Orange County, CA) or to make arrangements to donate clothing or essential baby items.








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Source:  We Will Serve Ministries.

Friday, October 22, 2010

October 22 - Make A Difference Day!

Tomorrow is Make A Difference Day!  ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?


 



October 23, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of community service.  Millions of Americans unite in a common mission to improve the lives of others on Make A Difference Day.



For 20 years, USA WEEKEND and HandsOn Network, a business unit of Points of Light Institute, have joined together to sponsor Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of community service. Held annually on the fourth Saturday in October, Make A Difference Day is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.



This is a great opportunity to get the family involved - working together to make a difference! 





Below are just a couple of examples of the opportunities available in my state, visit the website to find opportunities near you!  You can search by state or zipcode  - it's really easy!
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Volunteer for Nature at Miller Natural Area Preserve
Ann Arbor, MI  - Natural Area Preservation
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

•Stewardship Workday
•October 23, Saturday
•Miller Nature Area
•9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join us in clearing Miller’s trails and spreading woodchips to keep the nature trail passable! Bring your sleds with you to help us transport woodchips and brush. Miller is easily accessible by bus and less than a mile from downtown! Meet us at the Arborview Boulevard entrance, just east of Wildwood Avenue.Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.



Holiday Cards for Veterans and Family:
Battle Creek VA Medical Center
Battle Creek, Michigan 49037

This Make a Difference Day Event is a great way to Serve Those Who Served and to give back to our Veterans. If you are creative, enjoy stamping and scrap booking, this is the activity for you. Even if you are new to these crafts, come join in the fun and learn from volunteer mentors while giving back to the Veterans. We will be hand-crafting holiday cards to give to our Veterans to send home, or hand out to their friends and family. These cards make a difference and are truly appreciated by our Veterans and offer them a unique way to send messages to their loved ones. This project helps our Veterans to feel more at “home” while at our Medical Center and helps to connect them with the community and their loved ones. This is a great event for Families and groups. It is also a great way to show appreciation for the service of our Veterans. Come join the fun and Make a Difference in the lives of our Veterans. This activity will take place in Building 6, Auditorium, Saturday October 23, 2010 from 9 am to 1 pm. For more information or to sign up, please contact Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Community, and Volunteer Services at 269-223-5497 .
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Get Involved:

Find a project near you.   Get Involved!  Make a difference!








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Source:  http://www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/signatureevents/MakeADifferenceDay

Thursday, October 21, 2010

October 21 - Camp Wildcat

I really enjoy finding those smaller charities that are out there plugging away year after year, making a difference in their communities.  Today's charity is doing just that...but what makes today's charity even more special is who is running this charity! 


Camp Wildcat is a student-run, non-profit organization at the University of Arizona devoted to improving the lives of Tucson’s financially, mentally, and physically disadvantaged youth. Over 100 dedicated volunteers work each year to facilitate cost-free activities for fun, friendship, and to portray college as an attainable goal for everyone.



For campers, Camp Wildcat is a weekend in the wilderness with a bunch of cool college kids! It is also an opportunity to learn about what college is like and how they can get there themselves. Throughout the weekend campers participate in educational activities designed by University of Arizona students of all majors. Volunteers help their campers to develop artistic outlets, become aware of new talents, acquire confidence, develop future goals and design methods of reaching them. Since it’s founding in 1965, Camp Wildcat has been an entirely student-run organization with more than 200 student volunteers a year.



Camp Wildcat seeks to build positive relationships between University of Arizona students and underprivileged children in the Greater Tucson community. Our programs provide children with opportunities to have fun, interact closely with positive role models, explore diverse topics in a hands-on learning environment, enhance their own self image, and view higher education and general success as attainable goals. Activities include weekend camps, a week-long summer camp in the Grand Canyon, day activities, mock camps in the UMC Pediatrics Ward, backpacking trips for middle school students, and other special events for children.



Last academic year alone, Camp Wildcat student volunteers:
  • Held 9 camps
  • Worked with over 800 children
  • Performed over 28,000 hours of community service
  • Raised over $13,000 through Fundraisers
  • Raised over $11,000 through Grants and Donations


Get Involved:

Donate to Camp Wildcat.  


Donate stuff -   CW always needs things for camping! You can easily order these items from the online Camp Wildcat wish list - click here









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Sources:  http://campwildcat.org/

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

October 20 - Tell a gal pal... about domestic violence!

Millions are affected by it. Few talk about it. You can change that.


October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Domestic Violence — a term most often linked to physical and psychological abuse — affects nearly one in four women in their lifetimes according to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control; however tens of thousands of women each year are victims of an equally devastating situation — economic abuse.
It’s a tactic commonly used by abusers to stop their victims from leaving harmful situations by blocking access to money or other financial resources. It takes on many forms from controlling a victim’s pay checks to not allowing a victim to work.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, evidence has shown that women with financial skills have an increased chance of leaving an abusive situation and sustaining themselves and their families on a long-term basis.

The Allstate Foundation created the Economics Against Abuse program in partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) to spread awareness of domestic and economic abuse and empower survivors to lead financially independent lives. You can help by encouraging women and men to talk openly about domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors that one partner uses against a current or former intimate partner. It occurs in intimate relationships where the perpetrator and the victim are currently or previously have been dating, living together, married or divorced. They might have children in common or not.

Domestic violence is purposeful behavior. A batterer’s pattern of abusive acts is directed at achieving compliance and control over the victim. Tactics that work to control the victim are selectively chosen by the batterer. This power permeates every aspect of the victim’s life. Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, are predominantly female and are likely to take the blame for the battering or feel responsible.

Perpetrators of domestic violence also come from all walks of life, have the capacity to be very charming, move quickly into relationships and have a need for power and control and use both charm and assault behaviors to gain control.

Methods of power and control include:
  • Isolation
  • Verbal abuse & threats
  • Destruction of property
  • Physical battering
  • Sexual abuse and coercion
  • Stalking
  • Financial control

The effects of domestic violence can last a lifetime.  Physical injuries are just one part of power and control.
  • The average divorce involving domestic violence can last 2-4 years.
  • The financial impact can last for 10-20 years while the survivor works to repair or build credit, build assets and secure housing, childcare and transportation.
  • The emotional impact last a lifetime.


Leaving is not easy. It involves many internal and external factors. Internal factors include: maintaining a household, religion, children’s relationships, feeling responsible for a partner’s welfare, love and fear.  External factors are often economic in nature and include: lack of money, lack of housing, lack of employment, community pressures and lack of support from criminal justice agencies.

A complex combination of psychological, cultural, religious, familial and economic factors contribute to a victim’s decision to remain in or leave an abusive relationship. Behind fear, domestic violence victims frequently cite income, employment and financial stability as the strongest, most immediate deterrents to leaving abusive situations. The devastation of leaving a home, income, benefits and economic security behind are scenarios that all victims of domestic violence must overcome, regardless of their education, job skills and personal earning potential, if they are to care for their families and live more safe and secure lives.

The struggles of victims and survivors of domestic violence for economic empowerment reverberate throughout every community in this nation. Survivors and current victims of domestic violence are over-represented in the welfare population and many women and children are homeless because of domestic violence.  However, leaving an abusive situation often increases risk:
  • Batterers escalate in their assaultive and coercive behaviors when the victim is trying to separate. 
  • The majority of homicides occur when the victim has left the abuser or is attempting to leave. 
  • The risk of being assaulted or stalked at the workplace increases as this may be the one place the batterer knows where to find the victim.

Help is available 24 hours a day by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline telephone number at 1–800–799–SAFE (7233). (Or call the hotline's TTY number at 1–800–787–3224.)


Get Involved:

Allstate will donate $1 to the National Network to End Domestic Violence if you click "like" on our fan page and another $1 if you take a pledge to talk openly about domestic violence.  Survivors of domestic violence and economic abuse need targeted tools and strategies to help them deal with their financial struggles and plan for safe, secure futures; however, there is a significant gap in resources for programs designed to assist survivors with the economic challenges they face. The Allstate Foundation is taking action to not only spread awareness about this important issue, but also to directly empower those touched by domestic and economic abuse.


Donate to the Education and Job Training Assistance Fund.

Tell a Gal Pal.









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Sources:  http://www.clicktoempower.org/

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

October 19 - PAJAMA PROGRAM



PAJAMA PROGRAM CELEBRATES A DECADE OF GIVING
Providing Sleepwear, Books and Comfort to Children in Need Nationwide



Ten years ago, one New York woman noticed children in shelters and group homes sleeping in their clothes because they didn’t own even one pair of pajamas. She filled a shopping bag with new sleepwear and books and began to hand them out to the youngsters, many of whom were abused, abandoned or neglected. Her non-profit Pajama Program marks its first decade of service in 2011. The celebration kicks off this fall with a series of events beginning October 1, 2010.



Since its inception, the organization has provided 880,000 new pajamas and new books to children across the country, operating 79 chapters in 42 states throughout the U.S. The program serves children in need living in group homes and shelters. Most have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a parent tuck them in at bedtime with warm, clean pajamas and a story.



Pajama Program’s mission becomes more urgent during the period it identifies as “Danger Season” when the thermostat dips and the harsh winter months settle in. Starting October 1, Pajama Program works hard to heighten the public’s awareness of the need to keep these at risk children in warm, clean nighttime clothing and with a bedtime book to allay their fears.



“For so many needy and abused children, winter means endless cold and scary nights,” explains Pajama Program founder Genevieve Piturro. “The winter season is a particularly critical time when these children are most vulnerable to serious colds and illnesses. Warm, clean pajamas help to protect them against night chills and harmful conditions. Emotionally pajamas are a hug for children who feel lost and alone.”



The books the children read at bedtime go a long way in improving their reading level as well. Most have been removed from school for long periods of time and do not have access to books and their grade reading level is far lower than their peers.



Chapter Presidents across the U.S. identify “Receiving Organizations” in their communities where children in need are living. Together with volunteers, they organize drives and events to provide these youngsters with new pajamas and new books.



The need is great. There are more than 513,000 children in the foster care system in the U.S. and more than one million children who are not living with their natural parents. These children have been through great upheaval and trauma, without exception.



Click here to read Genevieve's story.


Get Involved:

Donate to the Pajama Program.

Host a Pajama & Book Drive.

Find a chapter near you.

Donate requested items from Pajama Program's Amazon Wish List.








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Sources:  Pajama Program

October 18 - Look Good...Feel Better®


In 1987, a physician asked former Personal Care Products Council President Ed Kavanaugh how he could organize a “makeover” for a woman in cancer treatment who was experiencing dramatic appearance side effects. The woman was so depressed and self-conscious she would not venture outside her hospital room. Kavanaugh made some calls and was able to provide cosmetics and a cosmetologist – and the makeover transformed not only the woman’s look, but her outlook as well. She felt happier, less burdened and laughed for the first time in weeks.


With such a profound result, the Personal Care Products Council recognized the opportunity for its industry to help more women maintainconfidence and self-esteem. Kavanaugh presented the idea to the Personal Care Products Council membership — the nation’s cosmetic industry leaders — who immediately offered funding and cosmetics. The American Cancer Society (ACS) enthusiastically joined the effort, providing a vital national network to assist women seeking information and access to the program. Finally, the Professional Beauty Association, National Cosmetology Association (PBANCA) signed on as the third collaborator, encouraging its member cosmetologists to volunteer their services. The program — dubbed “Look Good…Feel Better®” — launched with two groups workshops at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and Georgetown University’s Lombardi Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., in 1989.


Today, Look Good…Feel Better® group programs are held in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico using products donated by Personal Care Products Council member companies. Teen and Spanish programs, self-help mailer kits, online support, and a 24-hour hotline are also offered — as well as numerous independent licensed international Look Good…Feel Better affiliate programs across the globe.



Look Good...Feel Better® is a free nationwide program helping women with appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Workshops include instruction in skin care and makeup application; a complimentary makeup tool kit filled with donated products from the cosmetic industry; practical tips and instruction on wigs, head coverings, and nail care.


Look Good...Feel Better® is non-medical, brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Look Good…Feel Better® group programs are open to all women with cancer who are undergoing radiation, chemotherapy or other forms of treatment. In the United States alone, 700,000 women have participated in the program, which now offers 8,700 group workshops nationwide in more than 2,500 locations.



Thousands of volunteer beauty professionals support Look Good…Feel Better®. All are trained and certified by the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, ACS, and PBA/NCA at local, statewide and national workshops. Other volunteer healthcare professionals and individuals also give their time to the program


 
In the beauty guide, you will find a step-by-step guide to makeup, skin care, nail care, wigs, and head coverings.  Look Good…Feel Better® is a free, non-medical, brand-neutral program dedicated to helping you look as good as possible during chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments. Most changes in your appearance are temporary, but we believe it is important to provide you with tips and techniques that will help you look better today.


If you or someone you love needs assistance in this area, please use the program locator at the bottom of the webpage to find a program near you.



Get Involved:

Donate to Look Good... Feel Better®.

Volunteer with Look Good... Feel Better®.










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Sources: http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

Sunday, October 17, 2010

October 17 - Making a difference in the world...one greeting card at a time!

I can't believe I am writing this... Christmas is  only 10 weeks away and many people are involved in charitable giving around the holiday season.  I know we need a little time to prepare if we are going to participate in some of these charities, so I will begin highlighting some of the holiday charities to give everyone plenty of time to participate. 





It's one stop shopping for Holiday Cards!  Instead of having to go to each charities website to see if they offer holiday cards, check out Cards That Give, a nonprofit site helping people find holiday cards that benefit charities.  CardsThatGive.org provides links to -- and information about -- more than 100 nonprofits that sell holiday cards to help fund their charitable work.


The site has been live for three holiday seasons now. It has been featured in articles in Reader's Digest as well as many other publications.   Their current roster of organizations includes cancer hospitals, animal shelters, art museums, child welfare groups, international relief organizations, historical societies, environmental groups, and many other types of charities.  Visitors can search by type of charity, charity location or look for imprinted cards, tribute cards or ecards.


Many organizations produce special Christmas cards as a fundraising tool - and in a slow economy, charities can use every revenue stream available.   Make a difference in the world, one greeting card at a time.


Americans spend more than $2 billion on Christmas holiday cards each year. If it were easy for individuals and businesses to buy their greeting cards from non-profit organizations, card sales could generate millions of dollars for worthy causes.  CardsThatGive.org directs you to more than 100 organizations that sell greeting cards to help fund their charitable work.


 
Snowman by Kay Moffitt
Hadley School for the Blind
Here is just one example of Charity cards available:


The Hadley School for the Blind's holiday card says "Wishing you peace, happiness and the spirit of the season" in braille and print, and the delicate snowman image is embossed so the visually impaired can appreciate it.


Card purchases help Hadley provide long-distance education to more than 10,000 blind and visually impaired students each year.





Get Involved:

View the Cards That Give greeting card Gallery and purchase your Holiday Cards!










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Sources:  http://www.cardsthatgive.org/
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