In the Charlotte Observer today is a short article on the League of Women Voters' class, "Civics 101." According to the article (which you can read by clicking here), this class teaches you the ins and outs of local government here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It is touted as a great way to learn how to make a difference in the community. I've been meaning to take this class, so finally today I hopped online and signed up on this website. The class fills up every year, so if you are interested, don't delay!
For information on the history of this class, click here. For the schedule, click here. Finally, sign up by going to the registration information on the League of Women Voters' website, right here. The course costs $30.
To Do: Move beyond cocktail party chitchat about the community. Learn how to be a force for change.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Don't put away that cake pan!
Today, my husband, Rob, called to report on the toys the kids were mentioning in the car as he drove them with friends to the movies. I had to gently remind him that although he was just entering into the holiday spirit, us moms have been preparing for weeks and I was not changing gifts now!
Similarly, you have probably made your contributions to local charities by now. However, taking the cue from Rob, I offer a gentle reminder about the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which is serving record numbers of people this cold winter. Click here to see their "Hope for the Hungry, Hope for the Holidays" wish list. And don't forget that dessert items for Christmas dinner are both wanted and needed, delivered by 10:30 a.m. on Christmas morning. Click here for directions to Charlotte Rescue Mission.
To Do: Bake one more pie and God bless us, every one.
Similarly, you have probably made your contributions to local charities by now. However, taking the cue from Rob, I offer a gentle reminder about the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which is serving record numbers of people this cold winter. Click here to see their "Hope for the Hungry, Hope for the Holidays" wish list. And don't forget that dessert items for Christmas dinner are both wanted and needed, delivered by 10:30 a.m. on Christmas morning. Click here for directions to Charlotte Rescue Mission.
To Do: Bake one more pie and God bless us, every one.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Be in touch
I've been busy getting stuff DONE for Christmas. Usually that is such a joyless statement--crossing responsibilities off of my to-do list. However, this year some friends and I got together and addressed our Christmas cards together, drinking coffee and catching up while getting something done. I was particularly pleased by the friends who showed up even if they had no cards to address, just to grab a cup of coffee and say hello.
Also, a good friend of mine hosts two nights of gift-wrapping at her house--she supplies the wrapping paper and ribbons and gegaws and we all bring our gifts to be wrapped. She also takes this opportunity to experiment with new mixed drinks and funky cocktail treats, although we are busy wrapping for a good 3 hours. It is (I think I am not offending her by saying this) an easy party to host and a fun way to pass the time instead of standing around with drinks in our hands (not that I don't enjoy those parties, too!). I like to think that all of my friends are just as happy with these casual occasions as they would be at a fancy-dress party. Perhaps it is the modern-day version of a quilting bee.
Think about easy ways that you can spend time with your friends over the holidays and beyond. Maybe it is just putting on a pot of coffee and having an "at home" hour once a month. Perhaps it is stuffing envelopes at church with some friends. Or maybe you and a neighbor can catch up while walking off some holiday calories!
To Do: Be a good do-bee and a good friend.
Also, a good friend of mine hosts two nights of gift-wrapping at her house--she supplies the wrapping paper and ribbons and gegaws and we all bring our gifts to be wrapped. She also takes this opportunity to experiment with new mixed drinks and funky cocktail treats, although we are busy wrapping for a good 3 hours. It is (I think I am not offending her by saying this) an easy party to host and a fun way to pass the time instead of standing around with drinks in our hands (not that I don't enjoy those parties, too!). I like to think that all of my friends are just as happy with these casual occasions as they would be at a fancy-dress party. Perhaps it is the modern-day version of a quilting bee.
Think about easy ways that you can spend time with your friends over the holidays and beyond. Maybe it is just putting on a pot of coffee and having an "at home" hour once a month. Perhaps it is stuffing envelopes at church with some friends. Or maybe you and a neighbor can catch up while walking off some holiday calories!
To Do: Be a good do-bee and a good friend.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
"In with the New and Recycle the Old"
Terri Bennett, formerly weatherperson with local television station WCNC, has her own website now, www.terribennett.com. On it, Terri not only offers weather reports but also focuses on environmental conservation through a section called "Do Your Part." Terri's "Do Your Part" videos are also featured on charlotte.com, the Charlotte Observer's website.
Recently Terri had a very useful report, called "In with the New and Recycle the Old," on recycling electronics while also earning some cash back. A timely topic at this time of year as you upgrade your cameras, computers, etc. To check out the whole report, click here. She suggested checking out www.econewonline.com, which offers you gift cards (to Office Depot, Sam's Club or the Navy Exchange) in return for your unwanted electronics). You enter the item you have to trade in, the site replies with the value, you print out a prepaid mailing label for the item and mail it in. Upon receipt, a gift card is mailed to you.
This week's "Do Your Part" focuses on using LED lights for the holidays. There are many other "Do Your Part" segments on the website, ranging from eco-friendly lunchboxes to the eternal question of paper versus plastic.
To Do: Check out weather veteran Terri Bennett's website and Do Your Part.
Recently Terri had a very useful report, called "In with the New and Recycle the Old," on recycling electronics while also earning some cash back. A timely topic at this time of year as you upgrade your cameras, computers, etc. To check out the whole report, click here. She suggested checking out www.econewonline.com, which offers you gift cards (to Office Depot, Sam's Club or the Navy Exchange) in return for your unwanted electronics). You enter the item you have to trade in, the site replies with the value, you print out a prepaid mailing label for the item and mail it in. Upon receipt, a gift card is mailed to you.
This week's "Do Your Part" focuses on using LED lights for the holidays. There are many other "Do Your Part" segments on the website, ranging from eco-friendly lunchboxes to the eternal question of paper versus plastic.
To Do: Check out weather veteran Terri Bennett's website and Do Your Part.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Human Beans
Today I went to the Christ Church holiday bazaar. I visited a booth staffed by 2 women who are part of "Humans Helping Humans Organization," a cool 501(c)3 nonprofit started by 7 Charlotteans. The group makes micro-loans to people in developing countries. I could go into more detail, but you are better off going directly to their web site by clicking here.
Humans Helping Humans Organization (referred to as "h3o") is selling a "beCause calendar" for $20. The calendar has 365 days (marked "day 1," "day 2," etc., so you can start it on any day--New Year's, Lent, your birthday, etc.). Each day suggests a way to "help," whether it is a green idea, a suggestion for community-building, a simple suggestion to help a neighbor... you get the idea.
For every 15 calendars that are sold, a woman in Kenya receives a $75 micro credit loan to start her own business. $10 also goes to h3o.
It is a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift or birthday gift or Easter basket filler... . h3o is making the calendars available for school fundraising opportunities as well. Move over, Sally Foster!
I was really inspired by the enthusiasm of these women and their passion for helping others. What a great way to celebrate the season. Visit www.h3o.org to learn more about the program. To order calendars, go to www.becausecalendars.com. Update: you can also purchase beCause Calendars at The Paper Skyscraper on East Boulevard.
To Do: Deck the halls by "forwarding humanity, one day at a time!"
Friday, December 5, 2008
Out with the old
If you are a person who gets the warm fuzzies from donating goods, or just wants them OUT of the house, AND you happen to be in a relationship, I can almost guarantee that the other half of the relationship is someone who wants every i dotted and t crossed.
This morning a reminder popped up on my calendar--National Kidney Foundation will have a truck in the neighborhood picking up donations today! (Of course they had also called last night to remind me, but never mind about that.) I raced upstairs to the box where we toss donations--it had some stuff in it, but I knew I could do better. In a flash I was in the kids' rooms, grabbing unused toys and books. Soon I had 4 bags on my doorstep.
My husband has trained me to write down what I am blithely giving away, so we can take the tax deduction. However, I am proud to say that I have done him one better. At www.bankrate.com you can find free tax valuation worksheets for most of your goods . The values provided are based on the Salvation Army's valuation guide. Click here to look at the Bank Rate worksheets. You can also download them in .pdf format to use NEXT time you clean out a closet. For a completely comprehensive list (although not in handy worksheet form), check out this online brochure from Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut.
To Do: Preserve marital harmony AND clean out the clutter
This morning a reminder popped up on my calendar--National Kidney Foundation will have a truck in the neighborhood picking up donations today! (Of course they had also called last night to remind me, but never mind about that.) I raced upstairs to the box where we toss donations--it had some stuff in it, but I knew I could do better. In a flash I was in the kids' rooms, grabbing unused toys and books. Soon I had 4 bags on my doorstep.
My husband has trained me to write down what I am blithely giving away, so we can take the tax deduction. However, I am proud to say that I have done him one better. At www.bankrate.com you can find free tax valuation worksheets for most of your goods . The values provided are based on the Salvation Army's valuation guide. Click here to look at the Bank Rate worksheets. You can also download them in .pdf format to use NEXT time you clean out a closet. For a completely comprehensive list (although not in handy worksheet form), check out this online brochure from Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut.
To Do: Preserve marital harmony AND clean out the clutter
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Forget your troubles c'mon get happy
The arts community of Charlotte has fallen on some tough times recently. And you probably have, too. Here's an easy way to support local actors while cheering yourself up: attend a holiday performance at the Actor's Theater of Charlotte.
December 10-21, catch a performance of "Santaland Diaries," adapted from the story by one of my all-time favorite essayists, David Sedaris. This one-man show (starring Joe Rux) chronicles the experiences of a man working as an elf in Macy's "Santaland." "Witty and unpredictable, this comedy mercilessly cuts through the holiday spirit, revealing all the crazy things we do during this stressful time of year." "For mature elves only," says the ATC website, so don't bring your kids--bring your snarky friends instead.
After the show (once you've recovered your breath from laughing so hard), head over to Park Road Books. Among other great gifts, you can pick up a copy of "Holidays on Ice," a collection of stories by David Sedaris that includes "Santaland Diaries." Put it in a loved one's stocking. Then download "Holidays on Ice" (read by David Sedaris) from iTunes to put on your own iPod!
To do: Become a David Sedaris fan at the theater, at the bookstore, and on your iPod.
December 10-21, catch a performance of "Santaland Diaries," adapted from the story by one of my all-time favorite essayists, David Sedaris. This one-man show (starring Joe Rux) chronicles the experiences of a man working as an elf in Macy's "Santaland." "Witty and unpredictable, this comedy mercilessly cuts through the holiday spirit, revealing all the crazy things we do during this stressful time of year." "For mature elves only," says the ATC website, so don't bring your kids--bring your snarky friends instead.
After the show (once you've recovered your breath from laughing so hard), head over to Park Road Books. Among other great gifts, you can pick up a copy of "Holidays on Ice," a collection of stories by David Sedaris that includes "Santaland Diaries." Put it in a loved one's stocking. Then download "Holidays on Ice" (read by David Sedaris) from iTunes to put on your own iPod!
To do: Become a David Sedaris fan at the theater, at the bookstore, and on your iPod.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wrap Up Your Troubles and Smile Smile Smile
(I wanted to do this in rap format, but since I don't really know what "rap format" IS, you'll have to settle for this instead!)
Charlotte Community Health Clinic (CCHC) is looking for volunteers to wrap gifts at Borders (Morrocroft) in December. People are not required to donate to CCHC when they get a gift wrapped, but many do. Last year, CCHC raised over $3,000 through this program.
If you are a decent wrapper (no bow skills required!), consider taking a 2-hour shift this holiday season to help CCHC. Contact Sashle Eslaquit at sashle.eslaquit@bankofamerica.com to sign up. The dates vary, but hours run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., so there is sure to be a time slot to suit your schedule.
Charlotte Community Health Clinic is an amazing organization. It is located on Eastway Drive right around the corner from the driver's license renewal office. Visit the CCHC website by clicking here. Its mission statement: "Charlotte Community Health Clinic provides acute medical care to uninsured, low-income, 19 and older Mecklenburg County individuals. Our services are provided through a culturally diverse, volunteer-based organization with emphasis on education, training and community outreach."
Nancy Hudson, the executive director of the clinic, was named one of Nabisco's "100 Extraordinary Women" this year. You can read about Nancy on this Nabisco website: click here.
To Do: Take a break from your own wrapping and give the gift of wrapping to Charlotte Community Health Clinic.
Charlotte Community Health Clinic (CCHC) is looking for volunteers to wrap gifts at Borders (Morrocroft) in December. People are not required to donate to CCHC when they get a gift wrapped, but many do. Last year, CCHC raised over $3,000 through this program.
If you are a decent wrapper (no bow skills required!), consider taking a 2-hour shift this holiday season to help CCHC. Contact Sashle Eslaquit at sashle.eslaquit@bankofamerica.com to sign up. The dates vary, but hours run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., so there is sure to be a time slot to suit your schedule.
Charlotte Community Health Clinic is an amazing organization. It is located on Eastway Drive right around the corner from the driver's license renewal office. Visit the CCHC website by clicking here. Its mission statement: "Charlotte Community Health Clinic provides acute medical care to uninsured, low-income, 19 and older Mecklenburg County individuals. Our services are provided through a culturally diverse, volunteer-based organization with emphasis on education, training and community outreach."
Nancy Hudson, the executive director of the clinic, was named one of Nabisco's "100 Extraordinary Women" this year. You can read about Nancy on this Nabisco website: click here.
To Do: Take a break from your own wrapping and give the gift of wrapping to Charlotte Community Health Clinic.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Heading into the Holidays
I hope that everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. I feel like I have turned around and--surprise!--Advent has begun and Christmas is on its way.
Last week, the Charlotte Observer published a "Giving Guide" to connect readers to volunteer opportunities in the area. Click here to check out the guide. You can search by location, category of nonprofit (i.e., elderly, homeless, animal services, etc.), or specific needs. I found some interesting opportunities, including selling souvenirs at the Meineke Car Care Bowl (Community Health Services is a charity partner--click here to get the details--you get game tickets, too!).
My Sunday school class was also discussing ways to help during the holidays. One person suggested giving any unopened toys (maybe your child plays with everything they get for their birthday, but I certainly have a few unopened items sitting on shelves) to the Toys for Tots Foundation (click here for dropoff locations). Another person makes pies and delivers a piece of pie and a gift card to people who have to work on Christmas day. Someone else suggested leaving a really big tip, especially for a breakfast waitperson (my father also mentioned this a couple of weeks ago, to give credit where credit is due!).
If you have any tips or ideas to share, pass them along! I am particularly interested in creative "in honor of" gifts that people or companies can give in place of a gift like ham or wine.
To Do: Start thinking about ways to "pay it forward" this holiday season.
Last week, the Charlotte Observer published a "Giving Guide" to connect readers to volunteer opportunities in the area. Click here to check out the guide. You can search by location, category of nonprofit (i.e., elderly, homeless, animal services, etc.), or specific needs. I found some interesting opportunities, including selling souvenirs at the Meineke Car Care Bowl (Community Health Services is a charity partner--click here to get the details--you get game tickets, too!).
My Sunday school class was also discussing ways to help during the holidays. One person suggested giving any unopened toys (maybe your child plays with everything they get for their birthday, but I certainly have a few unopened items sitting on shelves) to the Toys for Tots Foundation (click here for dropoff locations). Another person makes pies and delivers a piece of pie and a gift card to people who have to work on Christmas day. Someone else suggested leaving a really big tip, especially for a breakfast waitperson (my father also mentioned this a couple of weeks ago, to give credit where credit is due!).
If you have any tips or ideas to share, pass them along! I am particularly interested in creative "in honor of" gifts that people or companies can give in place of a gift like ham or wine.
To Do: Start thinking about ways to "pay it forward" this holiday season.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pass It On
In honor of the recession (and our family's subsequent depression), I am cutting back on Christmas cards this year. For the past few years I have joyfully gone over to the lovely neighborhood stationery store and spent an hour going through book after book, picking out just-the-right-card that matches the colors in our annual family picture. Not this year.
As I was wistfully scrolling through the internet looking for a tasteful-yet-cheap Christmas card, I found CardsThatGive.org. This website gathers Christmas cards from more than 100 nonprofit organizations around the country. All the organizations are 501(c)3 and vetted by CardsThatGive. The amount of money that each organization gets from the sales of the cards varies and is indicated at CardsThatGive. Click here to link to CardsThatGive. From there you can search by design or by organization to find the perfect card for you and your family.
I loved this dinosaur tree card from the American Museum of Natural History:
And I thought that this one from Project Bread, working to end hunger in Massachusetts, was lovely, too:
However, as a parent of adorable young children I miss no opportunity to plaster my family's faces across every holiday card. So I was thrilled to see that the Robin Hood Foundation in NYC has partnered with trendy cardmaker Tiny*Prints on a series of personalized photo cards. Click here to link to the cards. This is my favorite one:
If I had 3 children, I would definitely send that card. How cute is THAT? Of course they still aren't cheap cards, but at least the money goes somewhere worthwhile--Tiny*Prints is donating 20% of the sale of the cards in the Robin Hood selection to the Robin Hood Foundation.
If you know of a nonprofit organization that sells Christmas cards, be sure to let them know about CardsThatGive.org. It is a great way to reach a wider audience. And yes, it is almost Thanksgiving and it is time to order your Christmas cards...
To Do: Order your Christmas cards, save the world. In that order.
As I was wistfully scrolling through the internet looking for a tasteful-yet-cheap Christmas card, I found CardsThatGive.org. This website gathers Christmas cards from more than 100 nonprofit organizations around the country. All the organizations are 501(c)3 and vetted by CardsThatGive. The amount of money that each organization gets from the sales of the cards varies and is indicated at CardsThatGive. Click here to link to CardsThatGive. From there you can search by design or by organization to find the perfect card for you and your family.
I loved this dinosaur tree card from the American Museum of Natural History:
And I thought that this one from Project Bread, working to end hunger in Massachusetts, was lovely, too:
However, as a parent of adorable young children I miss no opportunity to plaster my family's faces across every holiday card. So I was thrilled to see that the Robin Hood Foundation in NYC has partnered with trendy cardmaker Tiny*Prints on a series of personalized photo cards. Click here to link to the cards. This is my favorite one:
If I had 3 children, I would definitely send that card. How cute is THAT? Of course they still aren't cheap cards, but at least the money goes somewhere worthwhile--Tiny*Prints is donating 20% of the sale of the cards in the Robin Hood selection to the Robin Hood Foundation.If you know of a nonprofit organization that sells Christmas cards, be sure to let them know about CardsThatGive.org. It is a great way to reach a wider audience. And yes, it is almost Thanksgiving and it is time to order your Christmas cards...
To Do: Order your Christmas cards, save the world. In that order.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Slice of RAIN
One of my favorite parts of a meal to prepare is dessert, so I usually ignore dessert items in catalogs and stores (the ones in the Williams-Sonoma catalog look divine, but $65 for 9 cupcakes? Hello???). However, I am tempted to sign up for one of the pies that Something Classic is making to benefit RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network). There is a special website called "Slice of RAIN" with all of the information.
Your purchase of a pie helps RAIN provide direct services to those affected by HIV and AIDS. Like I did, you may think that AIDS is one of those passe (there should be an accent over the "e" in that word, but I don't know how to do that) diseases that are sadly affecting people in the Third World but managed here in the USA. In fact, AIDS is now the number-one cause of death for African-AMERICAN women ages 24-44. Additionally, 70% of those diagnosed with AIDS in Charlotte-Mecklenburg in 2007 were African-American. So, my point is that AIDS and HIV are still with us, even if your immediate next-door neighbor is not directly affected. Visit the RAIN website for more information: click here.
ANYWAY, back to the pies. Something Classic is preparing three types of pies, ranging from $20-25 per pie: Pumpkin Spice Pie with Candied Ginger; Apple, Cranberry, Currant Pie; Bittersweet Bourbon Brownie Pie (with or without walnuts). Click here to read the pie details.
You can pick up the pies on Monday, November 24, or Tuesday, November 25. There will be several pick-up locations: click here for the locations and times. If you don't need the pie, consider giving one to a friend or neighbor who is having a passel of relatives over for the holiday!
To Do: Visit SliceofRAIN.org and order a pie!
Related: Check out a related article in the NYTimes special "Giving" section by clicking here.
Your purchase of a pie helps RAIN provide direct services to those affected by HIV and AIDS. Like I did, you may think that AIDS is one of those passe (there should be an accent over the "e" in that word, but I don't know how to do that) diseases that are sadly affecting people in the Third World but managed here in the USA. In fact, AIDS is now the number-one cause of death for African-AMERICAN women ages 24-44. Additionally, 70% of those diagnosed with AIDS in Charlotte-Mecklenburg in 2007 were African-American. So, my point is that AIDS and HIV are still with us, even if your immediate next-door neighbor is not directly affected. Visit the RAIN website for more information: click here.
ANYWAY, back to the pies. Something Classic is preparing three types of pies, ranging from $20-25 per pie: Pumpkin Spice Pie with Candied Ginger; Apple, Cranberry, Currant Pie; Bittersweet Bourbon Brownie Pie (with or without walnuts). Click here to read the pie details.
You can pick up the pies on Monday, November 24, or Tuesday, November 25. There will be several pick-up locations: click here for the locations and times. If you don't need the pie, consider giving one to a friend or neighbor who is having a passel of relatives over for the holiday!
To Do: Visit SliceofRAIN.org and order a pie!
Related: Check out a related article in the NYTimes special "Giving" section by clicking here.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Be a part of the Checkers family
I am a big fan of the lesser-known professional teams like the Charlotte Knights (AAA minor league baseball) and the Charlotte Checkers (AA minor league hockey). I think that they work hard to make their games family-friendly, providing those diversions that younger children need to keep them occupied.
Additionally, these teams partner with lots of community organizations, providing spectators with the opportunity to both have a fun evening (or afternoon) out AND help out.
In November, the Charlotte Checkers have 4 opportunities to enjoy a game and help others. For a detailed summary of all 4 (and other upcoming events), click here. Or see below for a snapshot. Click here for information on purchasing tickets.
Additionally, these teams partner with lots of community organizations, providing spectators with the opportunity to both have a fun evening (or afternoon) out AND help out.
In November, the Charlotte Checkers have 4 opportunities to enjoy a game and help others. For a detailed summary of all 4 (and other upcoming events), click here. Or see below for a snapshot. Click here for information on purchasing tickets.
- Saturday, November 8, 7 p.m.: Stick It to Lupus. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America, Piedmont Chapter. Wear purple, the organization's signature color, to the game.
- Saturday, November 15, 7 p.m. game benefits Operation Christmas Child AND Goodwill. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will be donated to Operation Christmas Child. Be sure to mention the promotion when you call for tickets! Bring new or like-new clothing to donate to Goodwill and receive a free Corner Level ticket to any future, regular-season Sunday-Thursday game.
- Sunday, November 30, 4 p.m.: Presbyterian Hospital Annual Teddy Bear Toss. Bring a stuffed animal and toss it on the ice after the first goal is scored by the Checkers. After the game, CheckMates and Checkers staff will deliver the stuffed animals to children staying at Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital. Note that this is an afternoon game--great for young families!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Been wishing for a cleaner car?
I don't know if you have checked it out yet, but Terri Bennett (formerly weather forecaster at WCNC in Charlotte) has launched her own website (click here to visit terribennett.com). She covers weather and "green" community topics.
This week, I spotted a calendar item on her website that I have not been able to find elsewhere. However, it looks good!
On Saturday, November 15 (with a rain date of November 22), Auto Bell will give $1.00 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every Poly Process Wash. All of the Charlotte-area Auto Bells will participate. Click here to read Terri's information about it.
The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is this: "We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy." The Central and Western North Carolina Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is "entirely responsible for raising the funds for every wish in our territory."
To do: Put off your car wash for 10 more days so you can take advantage of this offer!
This week, I spotted a calendar item on her website that I have not been able to find elsewhere. However, it looks good!
On Saturday, November 15 (with a rain date of November 22), Auto Bell will give $1.00 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every Poly Process Wash. All of the Charlotte-area Auto Bells will participate. Click here to read Terri's information about it.
The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is this: "We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy." The Central and Western North Carolina Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is "entirely responsible for raising the funds for every wish in our territory."
To do: Put off your car wash for 10 more days so you can take advantage of this offer!
Monday, November 3, 2008
3 Family Holiday Ideas
With Halloween a whole 3 days behind us, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. A little advance planning makes the holiday season a lot less stressful. Here are a couple of activities to do with your family to get everyone into the holiday spirit (as opposed to you running around to do it yourself).
1. Operation Christmas Child. I think this is one of the best family activities. Get a shoebox, fill it with items a child would like, drop it off and it gets delivered to a child in need, somewhere around the world. Your family can even put a note in the box for that child. See this page for ideas of what to put in a box (and what NOT to put in a box, like food, liquids, and toy guns). A handy drop-off location from my neighborhood is the Billy Graham Library off of the Billy Graham Parkway; click here to see other Charlotte locations. You might also want to check with a local church (whether or not it is your church) to see if they are collecting boxes. Collection week is November 17-24.
2. A Child's Place. This is one of my favorite local charities. Here are the goals of A Child's Place:
provide stable, appropriate education to homeless students provide support services to enhance their opportunities for academic success provide services to families to ensure long term stability and self-sufficiency
In June 2008 (the last time they counted), almost 2,500 children in the CMS system were homeless. For the holidays, A Child's Place has two programs: Thanksgiving sponsorship and Holiday sponsorship. Click here to see the details. You can either provide the food for a holiday meal or purchase a grocery gift card for a family (note that Bi-Lo and Food Lion are the preferred grocery stores--it was an eye-opener for me to realize that just because Harris Teeters are handy to me doesn't mean they are handy to everyone). In December (ie, Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa), they ask that you provide an article of clothing and an item off of a wish list, too. A Child's Place estimates that for the Thanksgiving sponsorship you figure on $10-15 per person, and for Holiday sponsorship it is roughly $65 per person.
3. Charlotte Rescue Mission. If you and your children enjoy baking, this is the activity for you. Charlotte Rescue Mission will serve around 600 people on Thanksgiving and Christmas. They need desserts! Make your specialty and deliver it by 10:30 on Thanksgiving morning or Christmas morning. Here is a link to the flyer. You might also consider volunteering to serve a meal; click here for that information and contact info.
To Do: Ease into the holiday spirit by planning a family philanthropic activity.
1. Operation Christmas Child. I think this is one of the best family activities. Get a shoebox, fill it with items a child would like, drop it off and it gets delivered to a child in need, somewhere around the world. Your family can even put a note in the box for that child. See this page for ideas of what to put in a box (and what NOT to put in a box, like food, liquids, and toy guns). A handy drop-off location from my neighborhood is the Billy Graham Library off of the Billy Graham Parkway; click here to see other Charlotte locations. You might also want to check with a local church (whether or not it is your church) to see if they are collecting boxes. Collection week is November 17-24.
2. A Child's Place. This is one of my favorite local charities. Here are the goals of A Child's Place:
In June 2008 (the last time they counted), almost 2,500 children in the CMS system were homeless. For the holidays, A Child's Place has two programs: Thanksgiving sponsorship and Holiday sponsorship. Click here to see the details. You can either provide the food for a holiday meal or purchase a grocery gift card for a family (note that Bi-Lo and Food Lion are the preferred grocery stores--it was an eye-opener for me to realize that just because Harris Teeters are handy to me doesn't mean they are handy to everyone). In December (ie, Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa), they ask that you provide an article of clothing and an item off of a wish list, too. A Child's Place estimates that for the Thanksgiving sponsorship you figure on $10-15 per person, and for Holiday sponsorship it is roughly $65 per person.
3. Charlotte Rescue Mission. If you and your children enjoy baking, this is the activity for you. Charlotte Rescue Mission will serve around 600 people on Thanksgiving and Christmas. They need desserts! Make your specialty and deliver it by 10:30 on Thanksgiving morning or Christmas morning. Here is a link to the flyer. You might also consider volunteering to serve a meal; click here for that information and contact info.
To Do: Ease into the holiday spirit by planning a family philanthropic activity.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Get out the vote
I received an email yesterday from Bo's piano teacher telling me about an Obama rally at Queens University in Myers Park at noon on Friday, October 31, that will conclude with driving students to the voting station at CPCC. This started me on a quest to find other ways to volunteer to drive voters (no matter what their political preference) to the polls.
It is harder to find this than you might think. In fact, I could not find a local Republican site that gave a contact to do this. I would suggest going to www.meckgop.com or calling the NC Victory 2008 office (704-910-0696) to find out how to help specifically Republican voters.
The www.my.barackobama.com website (the official campaign site) does help you search for events in or near your ZIP code that included driving opportunities. I also found a site called www.obamacarpool.com that helps link up drivers and voters in Charlotte.
For nonpartisan driving, consider contacting your church. If I were a person looking for a ride, this is who I would call. You may be able to supply the missing link! You may also know an elderly neighbor who could use a ride.
Site comment: my computer is temporarily out of commission, and I am writing this on a Mac that does not appear to support cut-and-paste, so I can't provide the links. You'll have to type them in yourself! Sorry.
To do: Make your car an HOV as you go to vote!
It is harder to find this than you might think. In fact, I could not find a local Republican site that gave a contact to do this. I would suggest going to www.meckgop.com or calling the NC Victory 2008 office (704-910-0696) to find out how to help specifically Republican voters.
The www.my.barackobama.com website (the official campaign site) does help you search for events in or near your ZIP code that included driving opportunities. I also found a site called www.obamacarpool.com that helps link up drivers and voters in Charlotte.
For nonpartisan driving, consider contacting your church. If I were a person looking for a ride, this is who I would call. You may be able to supply the missing link! You may also know an elderly neighbor who could use a ride.
Site comment: my computer is temporarily out of commission, and I am writing this on a Mac that does not appear to support cut-and-paste, so I can't provide the links. You'll have to type them in yourself! Sorry.
To do: Make your car an HOV as you go to vote!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Warm fuzzies
I walked in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this past weekend. This taught me a lot about the importance of support from the sidelines. Next time a walk comes through my neighborhood I will try a little harder, rather than being put out that roads are congested or closed. Here are some things people did that we walkers really appreciated:
1. JUST BEING THERE. Really, just having a group of random people (who may or may not have known anyone walking) cheering in a driveway was a real pick-me-up. Especially on day 2, I almost wanted to hug everyone who was out there (and I am not a hugger).
2. A sign or two. We loved the "Go walkers!" or "Thank you!" signs. Ditto the balloons.
3. People who dressed in pink. I loved seeing people with pink boas and funny hats out in their yards, cheering us on. Event-appropriate gear was great.
4. A treat or two. The Dunkin' Donuts stand in one driveway? AWESOME. The homemade cookies with pink M&Ms in them? AWESOME. The candy? AWESOME. Water? As it turned out on this walk we all had to carry water bottles, but I think for most walks this would be very much appreciated.
5. And finally, I appreciated my husband, who drove the route with my kids waving out the windows yelling "Go walkers!" He went way beyond the call of duty, but it made my day to see them cheering everyone on. Frankly, it meant more to me that he taught them the importance of support of everyone than it did that they were cheering for me personally.
To do: Be an athletic supporter
1. JUST BEING THERE. Really, just having a group of random people (who may or may not have known anyone walking) cheering in a driveway was a real pick-me-up. Especially on day 2, I almost wanted to hug everyone who was out there (and I am not a hugger).
2. A sign or two. We loved the "Go walkers!" or "Thank you!" signs. Ditto the balloons.
3. People who dressed in pink. I loved seeing people with pink boas and funny hats out in their yards, cheering us on. Event-appropriate gear was great.
4. A treat or two. The Dunkin' Donuts stand in one driveway? AWESOME. The homemade cookies with pink M&Ms in them? AWESOME. The candy? AWESOME. Water? As it turned out on this walk we all had to carry water bottles, but I think for most walks this would be very much appreciated.
5. And finally, I appreciated my husband, who drove the route with my kids waving out the windows yelling "Go walkers!" He went way beyond the call of duty, but it made my day to see them cheering everyone on. Frankly, it meant more to me that he taught them the importance of support of everyone than it did that they were cheering for me personally.
To do: Be an athletic supporter
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Be a part of PLCMC
During the first week in November, the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) is hosting a series of community forums to develop a Facilities Master Plan. (Click here to see the blog about it). They say, "If you attend one of the hour-long sessions listed below, you’ll be asked which libraries you use, the strengths of those libraries, and ways we can improve those libraries to give you a more satisfying experience. You’ll also be asked how the Library can be a more convenient resource - this could be anything from ideas for renovations or expansions to existing libraries to locations for all-new branches."
Lately, I've been trying to use the library instead of the bookstore. After I read the NY Times Book Review on Sunday, I hop onto the library website (PLCMC web site) and search the card catalog for books that looked interesting. I can reserve the books and have them delivered to a convenient branch. The library calls me when they come in.
Also, if you are voting early you may be voting at a library location. Voting (and parking) has been so busy at the Morrocroft branch that the library has big signs posted suggesting that you come before 11 a.m. if you actually want to use the library for books!
When I go into the main library uptown these days, I notice many homeless people around. Of course I can't find the link now, but I remember reading an article in the Charlotte Observer about homeless people frequenting the library more often to escape the extreme temperatures and also to have something interesting and worthwhile to do.
Finally, many of you have probably killed an afternoon or two with your children at Imaginon uptown, using the computers, reading the books, checking out the exhibits, to say nothing of the performances in the theaters.
In short, whether your interests are economic, social, or cultural, the library probably plays some part in your life. These meetings are an opportunity to share your thoughts about how the library can continue to expand its relevance in the community and in your daily activities.
Here are the dates and locations of the meetings:
Lately, I've been trying to use the library instead of the bookstore. After I read the NY Times Book Review on Sunday, I hop onto the library website (PLCMC web site) and search the card catalog for books that looked interesting. I can reserve the books and have them delivered to a convenient branch. The library calls me when they come in.
Also, if you are voting early you may be voting at a library location. Voting (and parking) has been so busy at the Morrocroft branch that the library has big signs posted suggesting that you come before 11 a.m. if you actually want to use the library for books!
When I go into the main library uptown these days, I notice many homeless people around. Of course I can't find the link now, but I remember reading an article in the Charlotte Observer about homeless people frequenting the library more often to escape the extreme temperatures and also to have something interesting and worthwhile to do.
Finally, many of you have probably killed an afternoon or two with your children at Imaginon uptown, using the computers, reading the books, checking out the exhibits, to say nothing of the performances in the theaters.
In short, whether your interests are economic, social, or cultural, the library probably plays some part in your life. These meetings are an opportunity to share your thoughts about how the library can continue to expand its relevance in the community and in your daily activities.
Here are the dates and locations of the meetings:
- Saturday, Nov. 1, 9-10 a.m., Carmel Library, 6624 Walsh Blvd., (704) 416-3400
- Saturday, Nov. 1, 12-1 p.m., Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, (704) 416-5200
- Monday, Nov. 3, 7-8 p.m., Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive, (704) 416-4800
- Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Beatties Ford Road Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, (704) 416-3000
- Thursday, Nov. 6, 7-8 p.m., North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville, (704) 416-6000
Monday, October 20, 2008
Hidden Gifts
I decided not to focus on a specific nonprofit organization today, but instead to suggest that you think about what gifts you can offer. Last week I was "volunteered" to help with the Oyster Roast at Bo & Ellie's school. You should know that I do not like oysters and have nothing to do with this event. However, I DO love to make posters. And I can make posters for anything! I love this kind of volunteer activity because it is a one-time deal. Give me some posterboard and a BIG magic marker and I'm in heaven.
Another volunteer project I have taken on is providing snacks for the weekly teacher meetings. This speaks to my heart because I LOVE to bake but really, I don't need any more cookies and brownies sitting around my house. I can make the treats, then pass them on! (And I get reimbursed, too.) Everybody wins.
As I was typing this, I got a phone call from a minister inviting me to a Christian Education conference. This fit so perfectly into this blog entry, because you should know that I NEVER teach Sunday School. I have zero gifts in the teaching-children department. However, she had invited me because I am--and I quote--"a good schmoozer" and thought I would be able to make some contacts for her! As it turns out, I do know several of the speakers (it's a small, small world) so I WILL be able to help! You just never know which gifts are going to come in handy...
Anyway. If you are new to an organization and looking to get involved, think about what YOU can offer. Perhaps you are a great talker, or often go grocery shopping, or play the piano or walk your dogs every day. Some of the most rewarding moments are the simplest. Bring a cup of tea over to an elderly neighbor and have a chat. Volunteer to play the piano for a Christmas carol singalong. Deliver neighborhood flyers while you walk your dog. Call a neighbor with a new baby to see if you can pick up groceries for her.
Online, I found a "Spiritual Gifts" test that lets you "discern" (if that isn't a church word, I don't know what is) what your strengths are. Yes, it is technically a questionnaire to help you figure out what to do for your church, but I think it highlights strengths that will help you in civic volunteer areas, too. This is from the United Methodist Church and the test can be found here.
To Do: Consider what your strengths are and how you can put them to use in volunteer positions.
Another volunteer project I have taken on is providing snacks for the weekly teacher meetings. This speaks to my heart because I LOVE to bake but really, I don't need any more cookies and brownies sitting around my house. I can make the treats, then pass them on! (And I get reimbursed, too.) Everybody wins.
As I was typing this, I got a phone call from a minister inviting me to a Christian Education conference. This fit so perfectly into this blog entry, because you should know that I NEVER teach Sunday School. I have zero gifts in the teaching-children department. However, she had invited me because I am--and I quote--"a good schmoozer" and thought I would be able to make some contacts for her! As it turns out, I do know several of the speakers (it's a small, small world) so I WILL be able to help! You just never know which gifts are going to come in handy...
Anyway. If you are new to an organization and looking to get involved, think about what YOU can offer. Perhaps you are a great talker, or often go grocery shopping, or play the piano or walk your dogs every day. Some of the most rewarding moments are the simplest. Bring a cup of tea over to an elderly neighbor and have a chat. Volunteer to play the piano for a Christmas carol singalong. Deliver neighborhood flyers while you walk your dog. Call a neighbor with a new baby to see if you can pick up groceries for her.
Online, I found a "Spiritual Gifts" test that lets you "discern" (if that isn't a church word, I don't know what is) what your strengths are. Yes, it is technically a questionnaire to help you figure out what to do for your church, but I think it highlights strengths that will help you in civic volunteer areas, too. This is from the United Methodist Church and the test can be found here.
To Do: Consider what your strengths are and how you can put them to use in volunteer positions.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Hands on Charlotte Day
The Annual Hands on Charlotte Day is this Saturday. The weather forecast is chilly, but put on some warm clothes and join in on a fun project that helps others. When I went to the website (click here) there were several projects still open for volunteers. These included cleaning up a cemetery in Fourth Ward, cleaning up the yards of elderly neighbors in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood (here's a map of that area), and "sprucing up" Park Road Park. Any of these would be fun to do with kids, or with a group of friends who are apartment-dwellers and have no yards of their own!
If you are interested in doing some outdoor work but not this Saturday, consider helping a friend or neighbor in need. I have a friend with three young children who is going through a divorce. Her neighbor comes over weekly and mows her lawn for her. She felt guilty at first, then realized that it was a ministry for him as well as a bonus for her! To repay him, she brings a casserole or a pan of brownies over to his family once in awhile.
To Do: Check out Hands on Charlotte, help a neighbor, or let a neighbor help you.
If you are interested in doing some outdoor work but not this Saturday, consider helping a friend or neighbor in need. I have a friend with three young children who is going through a divorce. Her neighbor comes over weekly and mows her lawn for her. She felt guilty at first, then realized that it was a ministry for him as well as a bonus for her! To repay him, she brings a casserole or a pan of brownies over to his family once in awhile.
To Do: Check out Hands on Charlotte, help a neighbor, or let a neighbor help you.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Loaves & Fishes
Food pantries all over are reporting increases in traffic, and Charlotte's Loaves & Fishes is no exception. You can drop off food at the Loaves & Fishes pantries at Holy Comforter in Dilworth or First Presbyterian uptown (other places, too--click here for locations).
Collecting for a food pantry is a great, tangible way to show children how to help those in need. Loaves & Fishes has an information sheet on how to run a food drive, and they will send someone to pick up the fruits of your labors. Click here to go directly to that information. What a neat thing to do with your kids on a pretty fall day! Or... run a food drive in conjunction with your neighborhood Halloween party!
If you click here you can see what Loaves & Fishes tries to give every family for a week. This will give you some good ideas of what they need from you. Priority needs include canned fruit, canned meat, pork & beans, peanut butter, soup and 100% juice.
To Do: Put some extra food in your cart and donate it to Loaves & Fishes.
Collecting for a food pantry is a great, tangible way to show children how to help those in need. Loaves & Fishes has an information sheet on how to run a food drive, and they will send someone to pick up the fruits of your labors. Click here to go directly to that information. What a neat thing to do with your kids on a pretty fall day! Or... run a food drive in conjunction with your neighborhood Halloween party!
If you click here you can see what Loaves & Fishes tries to give every family for a week. This will give you some good ideas of what they need from you. Priority needs include canned fruit, canned meat, pork & beans, peanut butter, soup and 100% juice.
To Do: Put some extra food in your cart and donate it to Loaves & Fishes.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
See the USA in your Chevrolet (or Volvo, as the case may be)
Most of my senior-citizen family members have received some version of Meals-on-Wheels over the years. Kindergartners at Trinity Episcopal School take turns delivering meals-0n-wheels via the Charlotte program "Friendship Trays." Since I am not a "strong" driver, I avoided being a parent helper on this activity. However, once I couldn't get out of it any longer, I found that I really enjoyed it.
Friendship Trays delivers about 750 meals a day, Monday to Friday, to elderly, handicapped or convalescing people. Volunteers do most of the work, especially delivery. The current gas shortage forced Friendship Trays to double-deliver one day, but they kept going! Volunteers begin their routes between 10:30 and noon, and the routes take about 1 1/2 hours to complete.
Last year, I called Lani Lawrence, Volunteer Coordinator at Friendship Trays (704-333-9229 or llawrence@friendshiptrays.org), and asked to be put on the list as a "substitute driver" on Fridays. Lani calls every couple of weeks to see if I can help out, and if I can, I do. I show up at the Friendship Trays center just off of Remount Road with an insulated bag or cooler. I check the white board to see to which route number I've been assigned (Lani tries to give substitutes easy, convenient routes). I usually take a look at the big map on the wall to see the route, too. I reach into the big walk-in cooler for my bag of lunches. I go over to the volunteer in charge of "hot" meals--which are now quick-chilled--and he or she pulls the meals for me according to the codes on the list (meals are tailored to needs like diabetes or even "no squash"). I grab a juice or milk for each person and I'm off.
The route is VERY detailed in its directions from one house to the next. The regular drivers provide GREAT hints and helps, all of which are printed on the list ("the driveway of this house can be hard to back out of, so park on XX Street next to the house and you'll be all set to go to your next stop").
Driving around strange neighborhoods that look nothing like Myers Park can be a bit daunting, but you'll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is. Just like your neighborhood, most people are at work. Just like your neighborhood, people will call out hello and I've even been blessed by a neighbor as I delivered a meal! Neighbors have also told me when someone on the route is away or in the hospital (sometimes the message doesn't get to Friendship Trays), so I call in the update.
Many people have coolers out in front of their doors where you leave their meals if they aren't home. In fact, they have to have a cooler or you can't leave it--company rules. Most people are at home, and you exchange a friendly "hello" and "thanks" with them as you drop off their meals (my big fear was that they would look at the meal and say "Oh no, not Salisbury Steak!" or something like that--that has yet to happen).
The whole process takes less than 1 1/2 hours. And then you get to feel good for the rest of the day.
To Do: Consider being a driver for Friendship Trays. Click here.
Friendship Trays delivers about 750 meals a day, Monday to Friday, to elderly, handicapped or convalescing people. Volunteers do most of the work, especially delivery. The current gas shortage forced Friendship Trays to double-deliver one day, but they kept going! Volunteers begin their routes between 10:30 and noon, and the routes take about 1 1/2 hours to complete.
Last year, I called Lani Lawrence, Volunteer Coordinator at Friendship Trays (704-333-9229 or llawrence@friendshiptrays.org), and asked to be put on the list as a "substitute driver" on Fridays. Lani calls every couple of weeks to see if I can help out, and if I can, I do. I show up at the Friendship Trays center just off of Remount Road with an insulated bag or cooler. I check the white board to see to which route number I've been assigned (Lani tries to give substitutes easy, convenient routes). I usually take a look at the big map on the wall to see the route, too. I reach into the big walk-in cooler for my bag of lunches. I go over to the volunteer in charge of "hot" meals--which are now quick-chilled--and he or she pulls the meals for me according to the codes on the list (meals are tailored to needs like diabetes or even "no squash"). I grab a juice or milk for each person and I'm off.
The route is VERY detailed in its directions from one house to the next. The regular drivers provide GREAT hints and helps, all of which are printed on the list ("the driveway of this house can be hard to back out of, so park on XX Street next to the house and you'll be all set to go to your next stop").
Driving around strange neighborhoods that look nothing like Myers Park can be a bit daunting, but you'll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is. Just like your neighborhood, most people are at work. Just like your neighborhood, people will call out hello and I've even been blessed by a neighbor as I delivered a meal! Neighbors have also told me when someone on the route is away or in the hospital (sometimes the message doesn't get to Friendship Trays), so I call in the update.
Many people have coolers out in front of their doors where you leave their meals if they aren't home. In fact, they have to have a cooler or you can't leave it--company rules. Most people are at home, and you exchange a friendly "hello" and "thanks" with them as you drop off their meals (my big fear was that they would look at the meal and say "Oh no, not Salisbury Steak!" or something like that--that has yet to happen).
The whole process takes less than 1 1/2 hours. And then you get to feel good for the rest of the day.
To Do: Consider being a driver for Friendship Trays. Click here.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Donate in '08!
My good friend Jen X has a blog called "Daily Mitzvah" that suggests ways to make a difference in the world--click here to check it out. Inspired by this and the needs of the Charlotte community, I thought I would experiment with a similar, local blog here. I know that our family is certainly cutting back in our giving this year, and we all know that the United Way is going to take a HUGE hit. However, the needs in our community are only going to grow.
Anyway, with that in mind, I'm going to try to highlight easy ways to help in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
I'm starting off with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, which has a brilliant local campaign going on right now called "Donate in '08." You've probably seen the signs around town that look like political campaign signs. Be sure to check out the Donate in '08 website by clicking here. I love the videos on the website, especially video #2.
Donate in '08 is great incentive to clean out your closet for the winter. I went through and finally parted with all of those outfits I had held onto in hopes that I would be back to that smaller size in the near future. I also donated outfits that had seemed right at the time, but in retrospect are totally not MY style, just IN style. ( I realize that some of you are surprised that I have a personal style...) By the time I was done, I had three boxes full of clothes that I brought over to the Goodwill truck on Randolph Road (across from the Mint Museum).
When you donate clothes (or other items), be sure to itemize everything so you can get a tax deduction. Bankrate.com has great pdf forms that you can download to estimate the value of all of your stuff, whether it is clothing or home items. Click here.
If you are like me, you may not know much about Goodwill besides the fact that it will take your unwanted clothes. On its website, I learned that Goodwill serves homeless people and people who are undereducated or have a lack of job experience, as well as those who have physical, emotional or mental disabilities. Goodwill offers occupational skills training, career development services (including how to write a resume and ESL classes) and centers with fax machines and computers. Click here to visit the main Goodwill Industries, Southern Piedmont website.
To do: Clean out those closets and Donate in '08!
Anyway, with that in mind, I'm going to try to highlight easy ways to help in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
I'm starting off with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, which has a brilliant local campaign going on right now called "Donate in '08." You've probably seen the signs around town that look like political campaign signs. Be sure to check out the Donate in '08 website by clicking here. I love the videos on the website, especially video #2.
Donate in '08 is great incentive to clean out your closet for the winter. I went through and finally parted with all of those outfits I had held onto in hopes that I would be back to that smaller size in the near future. I also donated outfits that had seemed right at the time, but in retrospect are totally not MY style, just IN style. ( I realize that some of you are surprised that I have a personal style...) By the time I was done, I had three boxes full of clothes that I brought over to the Goodwill truck on Randolph Road (across from the Mint Museum).
When you donate clothes (or other items), be sure to itemize everything so you can get a tax deduction. Bankrate.com has great pdf forms that you can download to estimate the value of all of your stuff, whether it is clothing or home items. Click here.
If you are like me, you may not know much about Goodwill besides the fact that it will take your unwanted clothes. On its website, I learned that Goodwill serves homeless people and people who are undereducated or have a lack of job experience, as well as those who have physical, emotional or mental disabilities. Goodwill offers occupational skills training, career development services (including how to write a resume and ESL classes) and centers with fax machines and computers. Click here to visit the main Goodwill Industries, Southern Piedmont website.
To do: Clean out those closets and Donate in '08!
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