Archive for the ‘holiday’ Category

Green Beer for Good

3 Mar 2010
by MjM

Ah, me darlin’, tis March once again.  The month of shamrocks, corned beef and cabbage, and the wearin’ of the green.  And the drinkin’ of the green (beer, Shamrock Shakes) and the eatin’ of the green (green eggs and ham, Lucky Charms), and, of course, the raisin’ of the green.

A.J. Wade serves up Irish delicacies!

Many organizations around the country are using St. Patrick’s Day as an excuse, um, we mean passionate incentive to party for a good cause.  One really great event is held every year in Ogden, Utah, benefiting Youth Impact – a group of determined adults dedicated to positively impacting the lives of at-risk youth and giving them “a safe place to be a kid”.  They’re all about education, respect, responsibility, and confidence, not to mention having a terrific time with an inspiring group of youngsters.

Dr. & Mrs. Mark Nichols at the Shamrock Gala

At their Shamrock Gala they serve a traditional Irish dinner (along with green beer, natch); there are silent and live auctions, a jewelry raffle, and bagpipes!  Bonus feature – the kids from Youth Impact will be performing with an Irish dance group from Salt Lake City.  Sponsor a table, bring your friends, donate an auction item, or just throw ‘em ten bucks.  The leprechauns will favor you with good fortune!

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Not lucky enough to be in Utah this month?  Howzabout…

Thursday, March 4 and Friday, March 5
The folks at the Neuroblastoma Alliance are asking you to celebrate with purpose by participating in or holding your own “Cure Me, I’m Irish” event.  You can attend parties in Manhattan on March 4, or in Quincy, MA, Buffalo, NY, or Morristown, NJ on Mar 5.  Maybe you’ve already planned a party of your own.  Great!  It’s easy to incorporate the Cure Me, I’m Irish theme.  “Just do what feels natural and sprinkle a little purpose on top!”

Saturday, March 6
In Chicago, the Mulliganeers continue their tradition of raising money for children’s charities with a fundraising dinner and silent auction. The organization began as a group of golfers looking for a way to do something good for their community.  Help them help your neighbors.

Saturday, March 13
Partners Mentoring Youth are having their 12th annual Sharin’ o’ the Green 5K Run/Walk in Fort Collins, Colorado.  They raised over $30,000 last year and are determined to run right over that total this year.  Join them at Library Park or use your Facebook page to help them with their fundraising.

Wednesday, March 17
Enoch’s Irish Pub in Monroe, Louisiana, prepares an Irish feast on the day honoring St. Patrick – Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew and Bread Pudding.  You can wash it all down with fine Irish beer while traditional Celtic music sets your toe to tapping.  It all benefits the St. Vincent dePaul Community Pharmacy.

Let us know about St. Patrick’s Day fundraisers in your neck of the woods.

Slainte!

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MjM

MLK Day of Service 2010

2 Jan 2010
by MjM

The crisis in Haiti may have us all thinking globally but Monday many of us took action locally as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service sent tens of thousands of volunteers into action.

While millions of dollars were being raised for Haiti via text messaging and online donations, people all across the country got up and got busy feeding the homeless, working in community gardens, reading to children, painting schools, and building houses.  Some organizations re-focused efforts so that Haitian earthquake victims were the beneficiaries of so much organized effort.  But most kept their “eyes on the prize” by coming out in force to help their neighbors.

Some highlights…

Buchanan, WI – Students from Lawrence University read to elementary school children and cleaned and painted a local church.

North Philadelphia, PA – Volunteers painted the T.M. Peirce Elementary School.

Porterdale, GA – More than 100 volunteers created a new community garden.

Little Rock, AR – Arkansas Food Bank Network volunteers sorted, labeled, and stocked shelves.

Santa Rosa, CA – A crew of nurses volunteered to test blood sugar, check blood pressure, lead exercise classes and give vaccines.

Cleveland, OH – Students presented a play that dramatized the intense planning that went into the 1960 Woolworth lunch counter sit-in.

The White House – Installed a rare signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation in the Oval Office; The President and his family served at a soup kitchen.

It was a good day to be thankful for what we have and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.  For many, this day of service will continue throughout the year.  Let us know your volunteer plans for 2010.  We’d be happy to tell others all about it – and encourage everyone to do it again…

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MjM

Don’t Throw Away Christmas…

0 Jan 2010
by MjM

Before you get distracted by all those great things you resolved to do in 2010 (Quit smoking! Lose weight! Find a consistent holographic description for string theory!), why not start the new year with cleaner closets and a tiny bit cleaner conscience.

Recycle stuff!

Like your Christmas tree.RecycledXmasTrees
Most communities offer a tree recycling service so all those symbols of St. Boniface’s faith won’t fill up your local landfill.  Just click on Earth911.com and type in “Christmas tree” and your area code to locate the recycling center nearest you.

Like your busted Christmas lights.
HolidayLEDs.com will take those old incandescent lights and recycle them.  You have to pay for the shipping (to Michigan), but in return you’ll get a 15% discount on any purchases you make on their website.  Sure, it’s a sales gimmick, but it’s also a great way to safely recycle all that glass, PVC, and copper wire – they even recycle the box you use to ship the lights.

Like your Christmas cards.
(or any holiday card – year round)
A lot of folks have been sendingrcp holiday cards to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Nevada for decades.  But in the past couple of years the organization had more cards than they could store and stopped accepting them.  Well, they’ve restructured their system and once again they’ll happily take your used greeting cards.  The best part is they take the fronts of those cards and attach them to new backs to create new cards that they sell for a buck a piece.  For over thirty years this unique fund-raising program has been supporting services for abused, abandoned, and neglected children.  Send ‘em your used cards and then check the website to purchase recycled cards for all your 2010 greetings.

Like your priorities.
Back in 2005, the BBC did a study that identified the ten steps to happiness.  We’re especially fond of number 10.  Happy New Year!

1. Plant something and nurture it.
2. Count your blessings – at least five – at the end of each day.
3. Take time to talk – have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week.
4. Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up.
5. Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it.
6. Have a good laugh at least once a day.
7. Get physical – exercise for half an hour three times a week.
8. Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day.
9. Cut your TV viewing by half.
10. Spread some kindness – do a good turn for someone every day.

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MjM

Give Me a Reason to Give

3 Dec 2009
by kerriebrynn

happynewyearHappy New Year, party people! Before I go and get my bubbly on for New Years Eve, it’s time for you and me to have a little heart to heart.  For real.

Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed this year by all the fundraising campaigns that always kick into high gear around the Holidays.  The truth of the matter is, it doesn’t really ever end.  No matter where you live or what time of the year it is, charitable organizations need donations.  So how are you supposed to decide what to do with your limited resources?

Maybe you’re a bit older and you’ve pretty much got your giving pattern on lock.  Good for you!  My giving patterns? Not so under control.  I’m a young twenty-something who has just begun a professional career.  Charities, you want people like me!  It’s proven that young people volunteer more than adults.  On top of that, our buying habits are starting to be heavily influenced by causes.  Children as young as 6 years old are more likely to buy a product if a portion of the price goes to a cause they support.   Now I don’t want to end up jaded or frustrated by some horrible giving experience, nor do I want to just sit back and give up.  So what do I want, you ask?  I want my charitable efforts to be authentic, meaningful, and interesting.  I want you to show me how my giving has helped your organization.  I want to give online and off – and all the places in between. I want to feel genuinely appreciated for giving, but I don’t want my name plastered on a billboard as a thank you.  I want more good stuff like YouTube’s Video Volunteer Program, SocialVibe’s fun apps and blog, my boss raising money by participating in Movember, easy social media actions that give back, and browsing through Craigslist for Volunteer opportunities.  I want less of the constant “join my cause!” invites on Facebook, e-newsletters asking me to do a million things, and uninformative charity websites.

happynewyearhatI know this is a lot to ask, but I can assure you my twenty-something friends would agree. We want it all!

I’m excited for the new year – new trends, new ways of giving, and new relationships to build.  My advice to charities everywhere?  Don’t blow it.  We young folks have a lot of life to live, and a whole lot of giving to do.  As The Beatles sing, “I may not have a lot to give, but what I’ve got I’ll give to you.”

So charities, what are you going to do in 2010 to catch my eye? I’ll definitely be looking for you.  And to my fellow party people, what do you want to see them do? Tell us!  I’m optimistic and ready to party. I mean give. Either way, let’s drink to that!  Happy New Year everyone. Let the celebrations begin!

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kerriebrynn

Retweet the sounding joy…

5 Dec 2009
by Noble

Celebration. Recuperation. Generosity. Laughter. Reflection. Gratitude.

Here at WhatGives!? we hope you find all these this season.  And one other… we hope you find Joy.

Joyousness doesn’t come easy, but we’ve been lucky enough this year to meet new friends like Mark Horvath, Meaghan Edelstein, Noland Hoshino, Joe Waters, and Shauna Causey – and to spend time with old friends like Amy Skeeters-Behrens and Judy Chang.  Each of these folks has something to teach us about finding joy, because each of them is pursuing a larger goal than themselves. Reaching out, striving to help others. That’s how joy is created.

I’m very grateful to the WhatGives!? team, and to our circle of friends and family for giving us the chance to share stories of giving and working for social good year round. And we hope that each of you takes time this year to celebrate and reflect, to share laughter with your friends and family, and most of all, to take action.  It doesn’t matter what you do – any act of kindness will bring you joy, and it’ll inspire others to do the same.

So as we say around here: “Do something good. Tell people about it. Do it again.”

You’ll be surprised how much happiness you can create.  Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone.

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Noble

Donated Soap Makes the Holidays Smell Better

1 Dec 2009
by RoryGordon

(a special post from WhatGives!? Guest, @RoryGordon)

RIT_SealAs a college student (Rochester Institute of Technology; hometown of George Eastman!) about to graduate in a less than hospitable job market, I am, how should I say, flat broke.  I have so little money I can’t even pretend to hear the pennies I deposit from my student job jingle around my checking account.  They just get absorbed by that massive, dark cloud we call “student loans”.

That being said, I have it pretty good for a broke 20-something woman and I try to give back in little ways, whenever possible.  The Salvation Army bucket bell ringers at the mall are my friends when I only have change to offer.  (And no, @MjBubbles didn’t pay me to say that. Love the credit card swipers!)  Another favorite is to volunteer at local airports as a travel ambassador.  Only too often I’ve been the frustrated traveler on the other side of the counter. Even if it’s only a two hour delay, that’s two more hours on top of a whole semester without a real meal.  It’s really nice to be helped by a fresh, friendly face who isn’t trying to persuade sixteen volunteers to give up their seats.  Most airports around the country offer an opportunity like this through Travelers Aid or local organizations, and it’s especially helpful to volunteer during the heavy travel season when they really need a few extra hands.  It’s a great volunteer experience.  After all, how hard is it to read off flight numbers and baggage claims info?  I basically spend the day getting thanked.

One expense I can never seem to find the funds for is charitable giving. But the holidays are right beyond the pile of research I have to cram into the next week, and Saint Nick and Hanukkah Harry are tuggin’ at my heartstrings.  Here’s a great way to give back I’m trying this year, that should work for even the most broke, busiest bloke amongst us: collect sample soaps to give to your favorite organization.

Sample Soaps Volunteer OrganiHotelSoapzation, a local group here in Rochester, NY, collects sample soaps all year round and gives them to homeless and low-income families.  Personal care and hygiene products we see as a given can be a real ego boost and improve the quality of life dramatically for poor families.  There’s sure to be an organization, shelter, or drop-in center in your community that could make good use of these items.  And it’s free!  As I drive back from Oklahoma to Rochester (rockin’ the hatchback), I’ll be staying in at least a few cheap motels.  If I’m going to stuff muffins from the free continental buffet in my purse, I can make room for a half dozen shampoos and toothpastes, too.

So, when you’re traveling this holiday season, grab those tiny bottles and soaps from your hotel bathroom before you leave and donate them to a shelter back at home.  You can even take it a step further, and set up a collection bucket at your office or school.  Make a competition out of it.  Whoever brings in the most coriander-scented hand lotion wins! Smells good to me.

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The USO – Until Every One Comes Home…

1 Dec 2009
by MjM

The Huffington Post had a nice blurb about how Stephen King is paying for some soldiers to come home for the holidays.  Members of the Maine Army National Guard are currently training in Indiana, but will be heading for Afghanistan in January.  King and his wife are covering the travel costs for all 150 of them so they can spend time with their families before they deploy. It’s a great example of microgiving on a personal level. 13 grand might be a lot to you and me, but it’s pocket change to someone as successful as King.  And he lives in Maine, so it directly impacts his friends and neighbors.

Another way of giving like us, but not like us, is the way celebrities volunteer.  We might help out by packing gift boxes for service men and women or by sending them holiday cards.  Celebrities, on the other hand, can give of their talent.  If you’re of a certain age, you’re already ahead of me.  Bob Hope!  His Christmas specials for were an American tradition, and 68 years after Hope first took his radio show on the road, performers are still showing up for the troops.

All thanks to the United Services Organization – the USO.   Stephen Colbert took his entire show to Bagdad recently under the auspices of the USO. Rapper David Banner, comic Jimmy Fallon, and sports personalities like the NFL’s Don Shula and Will Witherspoon have all dropped by to show their support.  All around the globe.  All for free.

What you might not know is that the USO is not funded by the military or the government.  And they do a lot more than entertain.  They provide a wide variety of services, from phone cards and comfort kits to a “USO in a Box” – a few pallets of equipment and supplies that can be converted into an information and entertainment center in about 20 minutes.  Internet, video games, DVDs – all in a comfortable climate-controlled unit.   Pretty nifty.

Which brings us back to the whole microgiving thing.  (See how I am?)  15 bucks buys one of those phone cards, or some personal items that can be hard to come by in the middle of nowhere.  Volunteering is easy, too.  There are local branches across the country and overseas that would welcome a personal appearance from you. No audition required.


The Master at Work

[PS: As you can imagine, there are some not-so-scrupulous types out there in cyberspace who try to play on your emotions regarding our service men and women.  If you're wondering about where to send your money or lend your support, please check out www.ourmilitary.mil.  Thanks!]

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MjM

Homeless Teens Need a Little Christmas, Too…

5 Dec 2009
by MjM

Ads and promotional materials promoting charitable giving during the holidays tend to feature cherub-faced children looking up at you with their wide eyes filled with hope.  How can you resist giving toys, food, money, or whatever is needed to make this innocent child’s holiday a happy one

What you won’t see is a sulking teenager’s face half-hidden by a hoodie, refusing to smile for the camera.  Don’t let the hormone-induced attitude fool you.  They may live on the street and think they can take care of themselves just fine, but really they’re still children who could use a little magic in their lives.

This year when you’re gathering up gifts to share with your local non-profits, keep those teens in mind.  Pick up something girly that tells her you know she dreams of better days and parties and wishes coming true.  Grab a gift card so he can buy a new shirt without the holes and stains that others tease him about.  And your food bank needs more than canned vegetables and pasta.  Cheetos, Oreos, Fruit Loops, and Pop Tarts can be as good for the soul as chicken soup.  A little junk food never hurt anyone and it will let those kids know someone cares.  I know it sounds kind of trite, but realizing that someone somewhere actually gives a, well, hoot, really does matter.

If you’re looking for an insider voice on any age of homelessness, please visit out pal, Mark Horvath at invisiblepeople.tv.  Or if you’re looking for a goal to rally behind, check out RunTellmanRun.com and read about Tellman Knudson’s amazing cross-country run – barefoot – to raise awareness and cash for New York’s Covenant House.  And, of course, many, many communities have shelters and youth centers that look after this under-served age group.  Put them on your “nice” list this season.

My Friends Place – Los AngelesSnowyAlley

Avenues for Homeless Youth – Minneapolis

Covenant House Florida – Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

Oasis Center – Nashville

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers

Rumford Group Homes – Maine

Homeless Youth Alliance – San Francisco

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MjM

Are YOU Giving Gifts that Give Back?

4 Dec 2009
by Noble

It’s beginning to look a lot like “Cause”mas.   I know we’re a bit more attentive to this sort of thing, but it seems that this year’s holiday shoppers have more options than ever before to buy and give to charity at the same time.

saving the world with body lotion!?

saving the world with body lotion!?

Whether it’s the Lush Charity Pot (my favorite name) or the Bumblebee Hat and Mittens at the Rainforest Site, it feels like everybody’s getting into the act.

One of my favorite cause bloggers, Britt Bravo, had this to say about “Gifts that Give Back” in a recent post:

When I wrote my first 10 Holiday Gifts that Give Back post in 2007, there weren’t many posts like it. Last year, there were more, so I posted 10 Lists of Holiday Gifts That Give Back. This year, there are TONS. As they wrote in Gifts That Give Back: Charitable Gifts on Marie Claire, “Charity is the new black.”

Britt’s response to what I call GLP (Gift List Proliferation) is to highlight 20 different lists of Gifts that Give Back.  Her list of lists includes such notables as the Case Foundation, Forbes, and Huffington Post (in a piece generated by our friends at CauseCast).  In addition to those, I’d add current campaigns by eBay’s fair trade marketplace World of Good, which is supporting 15 charities this holiday season.  And also Living Social’s Campaign to support 5 charities in each of 5 major US markets – Seattle, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco and DC.  I particularly like that campaign because it focuses on local charities where small dollars can make a difference, like Boston Medical Center’s “Child Witness to Violence” Program.

Cute, and it Gies Back. But are you buying it?

Cute, Gives Back. But are you buying it?

So, it’s clear there are a lot of Supply Side opportunities to combine holiday shopping and cause.  The questions is – Are you doing it?  We want to hear from you – do you go out of your way to buy gifts that help causes you care about?  Please share your stories and links to product, and we’ll help you promote your cause to the WhatGives!? gang.

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Noble

On The Red Carpet at Variety’s Power of Youth

2 Dec 2009
by kerriebrynn

kekepowerofyouth

Power of Youth honorees Corbin Bleu, Keke Palmer, AnnaLynne McCord, Miranda Cosgrove and Jesse McCartney.

Last weekend, I attended my first fabulous red carpet event in Hollywood, held on the New York Street backlot of Paramount Studios! It was Variety’s third annual Power of Youth charity event, honoring today’s youngest generation of stars.  Corbin Bleu, Jesse McCartney, Miranda Cosgrove, AnnaLynne McCord, and Keke Palmer were all present to receive awards for their outstanding work with different charities.  Tons of other talented young actors from television, film, and music showed up in support of LA’s BEST and the Starlight Foundation, as well as lots of other great causes.  There’s no doubt that Hollywood’s next generation has made doing good a priority!

Of course, it’s was tons of fun, too!!  Take a look…

Who is in the video:  Rachel Fox (Desperate Housewives), Reed Alexander (iCarly), Jennifer Stone (Wizards of Waverly Place), Bridgit Mendler (JONAS, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Clique), Jason Dolley (Cory in the House), Erin Sanders (Big Time Rush), Adam Hicks (Zeke & Luther), Cody Christian (True Blood, Surrogates), Robbie Amell (True Jackson VP), Kyle Massey (That’s So Raven, Cory in the House), Tiffany Thorton (Sonny With a Chance), and Christopher Massey (Zoey 101).

For exclusive photos from the WhatGives!? team, check out our Flickr page.

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kerriebrynn
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