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.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
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.
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