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Good done anywhere, is good done everywhere.
- Maya Angelou
Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.
- Albert Schweitzer
Everyone has the power of greatness. Not for fame, but for greatness. Because greatness is determined by service.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Potential Acts Of Greatness
February 2012 – in keeping with honoring our returning military we at Grief To Greatness are in accord with former Army first lieutenant Paul Rieckhoff, who as founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is challenging the public to see the greatness of all vets. The New York Times recently said that Mr. Rieckhoff was himself a member of the “New Greatest Generation” and cited that his own path to greatness started with the rescue efforts he performed at Ground Zero starting on the night of 9/11. Because of the diversity of backgrounds of the first responders, Mr. Rieckhoff believes that a new generation of war fighters emerged on that fateful day. In 2004 upon returning from active duty he was shocked to find fellow vets struggling to reintegrate into society so he founded www.iava.org to support, advocate and fight the battle on their behalf to change public perception and ultimately see veterans returning to the workforce as trained and experienced individuals that are skilled, disciplined and capable Americans. Please review the links above to donate and learn more about the support being provided by IAVA, and if you are an employer please hire a vet.
January 2012 – Troops returning from Iraq face many challenges and Grief To Greatness has taken notice of two organizations who are taking constructive action to help our Veterans and their families reintegrate into their domestic and civilian lives. The first is Purple Star Veterans and Families – Coming Home. Their goals are to strengthen the safety net of support for Veterans and their families through the trials of homecoming. Both online and in the community, they connect families and bring attention to existing organizations and services to facilitate a more cohesive network of resources to families in need. Another organization, Vets Prevail – For Vets, By Vets present an innovative new online mental health tool that is tailored specifically to today’s Veterans, helping ease transition to life after military service and tackle post deployment re-adjustment challenges including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Employing cutting edge technology, the program creates engagement through dynamically tailored interactions. Please thank our Veterans by assisting these supportive organizations accomplish their goals because the trials of homecoming and suicide are taking more Veterans lives in a single year than all US military killed in action since 9-11. Sadly there are 6,570 Veterans suicides per year (18 per day) and the total killed in Iraq war operations is 6,349 to date.
Past Months - 2011
December 2011 – there’s still time to make it a fruitful and compassionate holiday season for less fortunate children for Christmas this year - give to the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. They collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. To find a local Toys for Tots office, or to donate, please click here.
November 2011 – with Veterans Day this month it couldn’t be a more appropriate time to suggest an act of greatness for an organization, which, through its’ founder, Sgt. Adam Burke, aids Veterans through the Veterans Farm. Awarded a Purple Heart for injuries incurred with just two weeks left of his 16-month deployment in Iraq, Sgt. Burke suffered from many ailments including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and hypertension. He says he spent his first two years after recovery feeling sorry for himself before going to his parents’ farm. His parents gave him two and a half acres of land and Sgt. Burke used his disability benefits to start a blueberry farm. As he spent his days working in the sunshine, he noticed that his hand-eye coordination and his cognitive functions, which had been impaired due to his injuries, steadily improved, and after one and a half years he was able to put aside his cane. Since this lifestyle relieved him physically and mentally, Sgt. Burke realized that it could help other Veterans too. Publicizing his farm by word of mouth, within four months, Veterans with and without disabilities began finding their way to the farm. When Sgt. Burke saw that the men using wheelchairs were unable to pick berries from bushes at ground level, he put plants in tall pots they could reach. Needing to expand, with funds from the non-profit Work Vessels for Veterans, which assists former service members in launching their own businesses, he acquired 8 acres of land in Florida. Click here to learn how you may help Sgt. Burke continue and grow this great effort for Veterans.
October 2011 – clefts are a major problem for millions of children in developing countries. Most cannot eat or speak properly and they aren't allowed to attend school or hold a job. Individuals born with clefts experience very difficult lives filled with shame, isolation, pain and heartache. Being born with a cleft in a developing country is truly a curse. Every baby born in Uganda with a cleft is given the name Ajok which means literally, “Cursed by God.” Some newborns with clefts are killed or abandoned right after birth. Their clefts usually go untreated because they are too poor to pay for a simple surgery that has been around for decades. However, every single child with a cleft can be helped with surgery that costs as little as $250. It's a true modern-day medical miracle that gives a child back their life. Giving a child the opportunity to have a normal life can be attained by a tax deductable donation of $250.00 to the Smile Train. In 12 years they have helped over 650,000 individuals transform their lives. To be a part of the solution, please click here to learn more about Smile Train, effect an act of greatness, and create a tangible memorial in memory of your deceased loved-one.
September 2011 – We would like to recognize that this year marks the 10th anniversary of September 11th. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by all who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania and WashingtonDC; their families anguish; and the heroism of the first responders/all responders. Not only were the NYPD, FDNY, Coast Guard, EMS workers, hospital personnel, good Samaritans, etc., etc. galvanized to support rescue and clean-up efforts, they did so risking, and in hundreds of cases, losing, their own lives. Grief transformed into greatness because of the event and was rampant throughout the world. Among the many non-profits that were created because of that fateful day is Tuesday’s Children. They have been providing support, programs and activities to the children and families of 9/11 since 2001. In addition, through their First Responder Alliance initiative they also provide on-going programs for the recovery and healing of the first responders; and their Project Common Bond is a global program designed to bring together international communities of young adults whose lives were drastically affected by acts of terrorism. You can learn more about Tuesday’s Children by clicking here, and please support them in any way you can. Furthermore, in 2009 President Barack Obama signed legislation that officially establishes September 11 as a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Therefore, you could choose to contact civic and religious organizations to determine ways to be of service to those needing support in your own communities.
August 2011 - In coordination with our home page announcement we would like to ask your support for No More Tears Rescue. We became acquainted with this passionate young woman whose mission is to rescue dogs from puppy mills over two years ago. These dogs would otherwise have been shot or drowned, after their sole purpose of existence, of breeding to provide “products” for pet shops, is exhausted. Their living conditions are in filth, exposed to the extremes of weather, and fed just the minimum so they can fulfill their lives, human-imposed, objective. Her website is www.nomoretearsrescue.com , and it is a 501 (3) (C) non-profit organization. Specializing in the puppy mills of Lancaster , PA, she places herself in precarious situations to save the dogs she can, and has to endure emotional pain over the dogs she cannot. Even more amazing for these special dogs, they retain their capacity to be almost divine, because they continue to love humans with their unconditional love. Please review her website and the magnificent work she does, and donate to her cause if you can. It’s tax deductible. Don't forget to tune into "Madonna of the Mills" airing on HBO on August 31st.
January to July 2011 - Grief To Greatness regrets that it was off-line for seven months. We will resume highlighting noteworthy charitable organizations and causes next month. So sorry for our absence and any inconvenience this may have caused.
Past Months - 2010
December 2010 - You can visit your local post office and review letters that children have sent to Santa and within your budget you can select children for whom you would like to make their holiday dreams come true. Another idea could be to send a Holiday card to a recovering soldier at:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20307
November 2010 – Grief To Greatness is all about understanding and sharing the emotional pain we bear when we lose a loved one, providing resources to help us cope with and accept those losses, and performing acts of kindness to others to help us to heal and journey through grief. It’s incomprehensible though, that there are far too many unnecessary and heart wrenching losses that could be eliminated through proper education of our children and youth. That’s why this month we are focusing on Operation Respect whose mission is to assure each child and youth a respectful, safe and compassionate climate of learning where their academic, social and emotional development can take place free of bullying, ridicule and violence. Founded by Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul & Mary, the organization disseminates educational resources that provide a gateway to broad scale adoption of school-based character education, as well as social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. Please click here to review their educational programs and to see how we can help put an end to these unnecessary losses of innocent and sensitive young people, as an advocate, educator, and/or donations to support their programs.
October 2010 - It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, Susan’s sister. Nancy observed that Susan fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, Susan spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Founded in 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the global leader of the breast cancer movement. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, they’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. With events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and generous contributions from their partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, they have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. Every 69 seconds a woman somewhere in the world dies from breast cancer. Please click here to learn the various ways we can help.
September 2010 – Grief To Greatness is pleased to announce the launch of its’ affiliation with the Automobile Safety Foundation (ASF). Founded in 1988 ASF is devoted to preventing avoidable motor vehicle deaths and injuries. Located on the web at www.carsafe.org and in La Jolla, CA, ASF is an independent 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that researches and develops ways to improve automobile safety, while addressing public driving awareness and auto safety issues. Motor vehicles are the number one cause of harm and death to people ages 1-40, and according to the World Health Organization about 3000 people die in crashes each day worldwide - and that does not include injuries. Born in 1988 ASF inaugural mission was to replace the spring loaded steering lock. In production since 1969, the locks made auto theft easy while causing steering lockup accidents. Because of ASF pioneering actions, this hazardous device has been replaced with safe and modern automobile theft prevention technology. The steering lock had no merit whatsoever, and constituted the most dangerous design error in automotive history. ASF continues to forge vehicle safety innovations and supports vehicle safety modifications and additions of vehicle safety devices to eliminate preventable accidents. To donate and help eliminate the devastation of the families who have experienced this kind of grief, please click here.
August 2010 - Blood donations decrease dramatically during the summer months. Become a regular blood donor. What an easy way to save lives! To become a regular blood donor, or donate just one time, click here.
July 2010 - Tens of thousands of American Troops are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world. The physical conditions they must endure are harsh and difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time. Operation Gratitude seeks to lift morale and put smiles on faces by sending care packages addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed overseas. Their care packages contain food, hygiene products, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support. Through collection drives, letter writing campaigns and donations of funds for shipping expenses, they provide civilians anywhere in America with a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Military in an active, hands-on manner. Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based corporation, funded entirely by private donations which are tax deductible.
June 2010 - this month we’ll once again combine a few monthly causes to help the feed the hungry in our communities. You can 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 causes. So combine an assortment of non-perishable versions of the above and add a real or artificial 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 2010– it’s the two year anniversary of Grief To Greatness online, and thus the third time we are observing Military Appreciation Month. Heart wrenching as it is to view, Our Fallen Soldier website was founded August 1, 2006 by the family of Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot who was killed in Iraq on April 22, 2006. Although our hearts are broken and our lives permanently altered by our own losses, we know our freedom is not free, and the families of our fallen heroes have also paid the utmost sacrifice for our freedom. Please review Our Fallen Soldier website for some excellent ways to assist, including one as simple as their Red Fridays initiative. They also provide financial support to the loved ones left behind so donations are also welcome. They distribute over 95% of all funds received, and donations are tax deductible. If you think you can bear watching, here is a You Tube tribute to Kyle and other wonderful heroes. For other ideas on how you can support the military click here to see the National Military Appreciation Month/NMAM website, and see the column on the left side of the page, and/or see if the immediate family of a living soldier at the Operation Homefront website could use some support. You can also check with your local religious or civic organizations to learn if any of your neighboring military families could use some support.
April 2010 – is National Autism Awareness Month and with statistics becoming as common as one in every 110 American children being affected, organizations such as the Autism Society are working hard to educate the public about autism and issues within the community of individuals with autism. They offer a variety of ways with which one can assist with their cause. Please click here to learn more about their initiatives.
March 2010 – statistics report that Americans own approximately 73 million dogs, 90 million cats, 139 million freshwater fish, 9 million saltwater fish, 16 million birds, 18 million small animals and 11 million reptiles. With so many people devoted to animals, we can make a difference in the lives of those victimized for various human-inspired reasons. Check out The Humane Society of the United States website to review the various humane campaigns they conduct for various types of animals, and donate to the campaign of your choice. If your penchant is toward dogs, you can help rescue dogs from puppy mills. These dogs would otherwise have been shot or drowned, after their sole purpose of existence, of breeding to provide “products” for pet shops, is exhausted. Their living conditions are in filth, exposed to the extremes of weather, and fed just the minimum so they can fulfill their lives, human-imposed, objective. No More Tears Rescue is an east coast 501 (3) (C) non-profit organization. Specializing in the puppy mills of Lancaster, PA, and conducted by a young woman, she places herself in precarious situations to save the dogs she can, and has to endure emotional pain over the dogs she cannot. Even more amazing for these special dogs, they retain their capacity to be almost divine, because they continue to love humans with their unconditional love. Please review her website and the magnificent work she does, and donate to her cause if you can. Donations to these causes are tax deductible.
February 2010 - it's most needed now to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Click to assist the American Red Cross in their efforts to provide assistance to the survivors of the Haitian earthquake.
January 2010 - it's National Mentoring Month and an on-going and powerful option to help ourselves heal by helping others could be by mentoring a child, teen or young adult. Mentoring.org offers a variety of programs in our local areas for which anyone can match their life experience and desires with the needs of a local candidate. The relationship derived from mentoring can be caring, rewarding and life changing. One can also obtain all the guidelines for starting a program in their own locale, as well as donate to their cause.
Past Months - 2009
December 2009 - with an interesting history, Wreaths Across America started because as a young 12-year old boy, Morrill Worcester, was daunted by his visit to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. Reflecting on that as a successful businessman later in life, he recognized his achievements were mostly due to the values of this nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. You can read more about Wreaths Across America's fascinating history by clicking here, and also learn how to sponsor a wreath for a veteran's grave in your own name, or in memory of a deceased loved one. You can also volunteer to lay wreaths or attend any of the wreath-laying ceremonies to be held concurrently throughout the US on Saturday, December 12th, 2009 at 12:00 noon EST.
November 2009 – you can 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 Meals On Wheels. Or, as beloved actor/dancer Patrick Swayze shed Hollywood light on pancreatic cancer, and recently lost his battle with this most dreaded of cancers, perhaps we can help. Others in the limelight who brought pancreatic cancer to the forefront include Michael Landon and Luciano Pavarotti. With a survival rate of only 5%, 35,000 people lose their lives to pancreatic cancer each year. For over 11 years The Lustgarten Foundation has been endeavoring to advance the scientific and medical research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer. To date, the Foundation has provided more than $22 million in support of breakthrough research to find early detection methods, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure. To learn more and help, please click here.
October 2009 - 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 21, 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.
September 2009 - Once again it 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 2009 - inspired by the landmark documentary film Motherland, Project Grace is a program of the non-profit organization CorStone. Similar to the film Motherland, an assembly of mothers who have lost children, spend one week of service in communities (Mexico and Phoenix Children's Hospital thus far and Nicaragua is planned for June 2010) where they find strength in assisting others, and learn that helping is healing. Project Grace continues this life changing and empowering journey by bringing together parents, siblings and other family members grieving the loss of a child for extraordinary service trips around the world, and was created with the purpose of providing a compassionate, non-judgmental environment in which participants can offer each other support, share their own stories, provide aid to a community in need, and honor a loved one. Project Grace was created in early 2008 and has been named to honor the daughter of Anne Magill, a Motherland participant whose daughter Grace died of suicide at the age of 15. You can help by volunteering or donating to Project Grace or Motherland from their contact page.
July 2009 – a disorder that is not in the forefront of many peoples familiarity is a disease called scleroderma or systemic sclerosis. It is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Scleroderma can be progressive or not, may take several forms, and has much variability among patients. It is a chronic disease and can be serious. For more information, and for ways to help, the Scleroderma Foundation is in the forefront of research for a cure.
June 2009 – according to figures by the US Centers for Disease Control and the Consumer Products Safety Commission, between 350 and 400 children drown in swimming pools each year. Another 3,000 children are involved in near-drowning incidents, and about 1,500 of these children suffer permanent brain damage. We recently learned about Stew Leonard III Children’s Charity through the Heaven Cent Album created in memory of Ivy Rose who drowned at the age of 3. The Leonard family also lost a child to drowning and their Charity teaches a child to swim at a local YMCA for each $100 donated. Purchasing the Heaven Cent Album through Grief To Greatness or directly from Heaven Cent Albums assures 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Leonard’s Charity. The album is $14.95 at both websites. Or you can donate directly to Stew Leonard III Children’s Charity.
May 2009– homage should be paid to the military every month because of their sacrifice and selflessness; however, this month we can particularly thank them for their commitment since May is 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. Another idea could be to send a thank you card to a recovering soldier at:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20307
April 2009 - Earth Day resides in April, on the 22nd of the month, and it seems incredible that this initiative will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. There are wonderful organizations dedicated to the cessation of various kinds of pollutants in our earth, our waters and our atmosphere, and saving and restoring our planet. The information on such organizational links as www.earthday.net and www.nature.org offer interesting educational data about our global climate, and great and various ways of assisting with the goal of saving and improving the planet. You can also send an ecard to friends with whom you would like to spread their message. Please also see our charitable links page for information on preservation of species and habitats by Conservation International. It’s also National Autism Awareness Month. For more information about initiatives to improve the lives of people with autism please see the ASA (Autism Society of America) website.
March 2009 – Among many other important causes this month, it is Mental Retardation Awareness Month.This is a cause that is very near and dear to the grief to greatness founder’s heart because she most recently spent 16 years as a proponent for individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Without organizations like The Arc , and all its chapters throughout the US, individuals with intellectual disabilities would not have the voice necessary to help them find and succeed at jobs in their communities, provide meaningful volunteer services in their communities, attend stimulating day programs, attend dedicated special education schools, live in loving and nurturing group residences or supported apartments, among many other customized services to assist these individuals to live happy, meaningful, productive, independent and integrated lives. Won’t you please consider donating or volunteering your time in the name of your deceased loved one? In addition, if you are an employer, The Arc website lists local chapters you can contact to meet a qualified and eager employment candidate. Employers anywhere in NYC please contact susanw@grieftogreatness.com for local referrals.You may also view the wonderful things AHRC New York City is doing by linking from our charitable links page. In addition, it was internationally heart wrenching when we learned about Jett, the son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston passing away suddenly. His family has established a foundation in Jett’s name to assist and provide relief to children with vision, hearing, mobility, communication, behavior learning impairments or other special medical, environmental, health or educational needs. To learn more please click the following link www.jett-travolta-foundation.org
February 2009 – We recently had the privilege of becoming acquainted with a passionate young woman whose mission is to rescue dogs from puppy mills. These dogs would otherwise have been shot or drowned, after their sole purpose of existence, of breeding to provide “products” for pet shops, is exhausted. Their living conditions are in filth, exposed to the extremes of weather, and fed just the minimum so they can fulfill their lives, human-imposed, objective. Her website is www.nomoretearsrescue.com , and it is a 501 (3) (C) non-profit organization. Specializing in the puppy mills of Lancaster , PA, she places herself in precarious situations to save the dogs she can, and has to endure emotional pain over the dogs she cannot. Even more amazing for these special dogs, they retain their capacity to be almost divine, because they continue to love human s with their unconditional love. Please review her website and the magnificent work she does, and donate to her cause if you can. It’s tax deductible.In addition, February 24th is National Spay Day .Sadly, approximately 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year which could be tremendously diminished if people protected their pets from unwanted litters by spaying or neutering.If your pet has not yet been spayed or neutered, check with your local veterinarians and SPCAs for discounts this month.
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.
Past Months - 2008
December - You can visit your local post office and review letters that children have sent to Santa and within your budget you can select children for whom you would like to make their holiday dreams come true. Another idea could be to send a Holiday card to a recovering soldier at:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20307
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.
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