Good done anywhere, is good done everywhere.
                                                   Maya Angelou

Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.
                                                                                                                                   Albert Schweitzer                                                   

Potential Acts Of Greatness

January 2009 – With corporations, small businesses and individuals feeling the crush of the current economy, non-profit charitable organizations are really hurting in this New Year.  Why not donate just a few dollars to your favorite charity?  A little by many could go a long way!  For ideas and simplicity you can check our charitable links page and link easily to an organization of your choice.  The donation can be made in memory of your deceased loved one.

Suggestions for other Potential Acts of Greatness 2009 can be sent to webmaster@grieftogreatness.com.
 

Past months - 2008

November - Contact your local religious organization or civic group to ask how you can donate a Thanksgiving dinner to a less fortunate family. You may also volunteer or make a donation to organizations like Meal On Wheels.

October - All it takes is a twist of fate and anyone of us can become disabled.  Among other very important causes, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  Employers can check with community organizations that serve individuals with disabilities and hire a qualified worker. In addition, October 15, is National Disability Mentoring Day and you may mentor a qualified individual at your workplace. Please also see AHRC New York City Foundation on our Charitable Links page, their Memorial Gifts section.  If you are an employer anywhere in the five boroughs of New York City, and would like to consider hiring an individual with an intellectual disability, please contact susanw@grieftogreatness.com for more information. For-profit employers may also be eligible for federal and state tax credits.  As Karen Heidgerd, practice administrator of Manhattan's Animal General says, these individuals (employees) possess a purity of the human spirit, a quality you won't find among the average employee.

September - Among many other important causes, September is healthy aging month. With that in mind, a wonderful endeavor could be to volunteer to visit a resident at a nursing home. Inquire at your local nursing home for residents that don't have regular visits by family, friends or volunteers. Statistics say that nursing homes have great need for volunteers, and we should keep in mind that the residents have endured many losses including their spouse, home, personal belongings, lifestyle, etc.  Volunteering to visit a resident should be conducted on an ongoing basis.  Please also see the Alzheimer's Association on our Charitable Links page.

August - So many of us share our lives and homes with dogs, cats, birds, etc. This month we could reward those beautiful creatures who love us unconditionally and depend on human kindness by helping their peers that live in shelters. Even if you don't have a companion animal you can donate pet food, old towels or some money to your local animal shelter. Call first to find out which brands the shelter may prefer.You can also click here. Please also see The Humane Society of the United States on our Charitable Links page.

July - Blood donations decrease dramatically during the summer months. Become a regular blood donor. What an easy way to save a life! To become a regular blood donor, click here.

June - This month we can combine a few monthly causes to help the hungry in our communities. Check with your local religious organizations or civic groups to ask how to donate a food basket to a family in need. It's Candy Month, Dairy Month, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, Ice Tea Month and Turkey Lovers Month, among many other great causes.  So combine an assortment of non-perishable versions of the above and add a rose because it is also Rose Month. You can also click here. Please also see Children International and Mercy Corps on our Charitable Links page.

May - There's no better way to start our proposed acts of greatness section than honoring this particular May cause, Military Appreciation Month. For some excellent ideas on how you can support the military click here and see the column on the left side of the page. You can also check with your local religious or civic organizations to see if the immediate family of a living or deceased soldier could use some support.