Give Your Time

Helping Our Earth Article

2010-09-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

I have started a new venture in addition to my business I decided to write some articles on Associated Press, what fun it was to take an assignment, do research for it and have it published.

The article I chose was about Volunteer opportunities in Illiniois that help improve our Earth.
How appropriate for all of my Blog readers.

I hope that each of you are looking at each day as an opportunity to give back whether it is to your neighbor, a friend or even a stranger in need.

We all can make a difference in someone elses life.

To read my article please go to Article Link

I hope to publish more and would love for you to share this link with others. Thank you in advance!

Waste of Tax Dollars Please Help

2010-03-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

WE NEED YOUR HELP

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/hunt-the-deer-of-will-county-forest-preserve

OVERPOPULATION OF WHITETAIL DEER

Will County, Illinois' Forest Preserve officials have recommended a massive culling of native deer herds because of deer overpopulation. In an area that could sustain 20 deer per square mile the deer are at levels over 150 per square mile.
They are trying to figure out if we the people of Will county would like to pay for sharp shooters or allow Hunters to accomplish the task at no cost to the County.

SOME FACTS ABOUT OVERPOPULATION OF WHITETAIL DEER.

Many expanding suburban communities, and even some cities, face a dangerously expanding deer population. In backyards, they graze on shrubbery and feud over territory

While they still have some predators in the Northeast, mostly coyotes or bobcats, their main animal predators, wolves, are gone.

Man is now a deer's most-feared predator, but the number of hunters is declining, especially among teen-agers who today have more options to fill their time.

Today's high deer population may shape how the country's forests look decades from now. The animals are reducing the number of trees and seedlings and affecting which species will survive, forestry experts say.

In areas of overpopulation, deer cause an over browsing affect called a "browse line". In areas with a browse line, most plant species below the browse line are stripped bare damaging the habitat for many species. These brows lines can be from four to six feet high.

Deer establish a territory and will not leave it.

Deer are known to starve rather than leave their domain.

Just 2 deer without predation can produce a herd of up to 35 deer in just 7 years.

Deer can live up to 11 years in the wild.

Under optimal conditions without regulating factors like predators or hunting, deer populations can double in size annually.

Two of the considerations used when establishing a deer management plan are Biological Carrying Capacity (BCC) and Cultural Carrying Capacity (CCC).

DEER DAMAGE

A recent survey of U.S. farm leaders revealed that as many as 56% believed they had suffered crop damage by wildlife and the Whitetail deer was named as the primary culprit.

Pennsylvania farmers suffer crop damage of an estimated $30 million annually, Wisconsin estimates it's farmers are hit for $37 million annually.

Back in 1995, conservative estimates place deer-car collisions in the us at over 500,000 annually. Vehicle damage is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The annual damage in New Jersey alone is estimated to exceed $10 million dollars. These accidents resulted in thousands of injuries and over 100 deaths.

Suburban home owners spend thousands of dollars on replacing landscaping plants defoliated or damaged by deer.

In 1995, Lyme disease was considered to be the fastest growing infectious disease next to AIDS. Some scientists see a strong link between high deer densities and Lyme disease.

In Pennsylvania, a state that tracks deer-vehicle collisions, there are over 40,000 deer-vehicle collisions annually.

Based on Pennsylvania's experience, VDGIF conservatively estimates the annual vehicle damage caused deer-vehicle collisions to exceed 25 million dollars.

Even more important is the cost in human life. During the 1985-1994 period, 12 fatalities were reported as a result of deer-vehicle collisions in Virginia.

Please sign this petition so that our voices can be heard on April 1st.

We need alot more signatures!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/hunt-the-deer-of-will-county-forest-preserve

Earth Day

2010-03-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite times of the year!

A time to give back a time to start fresh and a time to get outdoors.

Yes, it's Earth Day!!

APRIL 22nd mark your calendars and start a family or group tradition.

This is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day!

Here are some ideas for the entire family:

•Never throw things away unless you use a trash container

•If you see trash on the street, pick it up and throw it away

•Organize a clean up day near your school with classmates

•When you no longer need a toy or clothing, give it away to someone who can use it

•Have a yard sale with your family or friends

•Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins

•Buy recycled paper products whenever possible

•Use paper instead of plastic

MORE IDEAS:

Adopt a park or forest preserves where you go to often to pick up trash
Plant a tree
Start a community garden
Support eco-friendly companies
Ask your company to start being more responsible with their waste of paper

HAVE FUN & HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

If you have an event you want to post on here for Earth Day please feel free to post it.

"Mackenzie's Pages of Hope"

2010-01-22T11:56:00.000-08:00

"Mackenzie's Pages of Hope"

Thank you for your interest in this very special charity.

About 2 years ago, when Mackenzie was 10, she was telling her mom about a Girl Scout project she wanted to do. They started with purchasing books from school book orders to donate to a local children's hospital in Springfield, IL. A local TV station did a story this past December on her and her family delivering the first batch of 80 books to the hosptial and rom there it quickly started to grow bigger than any of them had imagined.

Her local hospital is part of the Children's Miracle Network. The books you are so graciously donating here in Naperville, will go to Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which is also a CMN hospital. Eventually, Mackenzies goal is to provide books to all 177 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in the country!

Per hospital regulations, the books must be new. Our targeted age group is infant through 10 years old but we do need books for teens, too. Our goal is to have 500 books by March 1, 2010. Thank you for helping Mackenzie's dream become a reality... her dream to share her love of reading!

Books are being collected at:

Thomas Orthontics

3124 S. Route 59

Suite 132

Naperville, IL

630-904-7600

Feed My Starving Children - Volunteer Spotlight

2009-12-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

There is nothing worse than knowing in the world we live in today there are little children starving. They do not want an iPhone, nor do they even ask for a new pair of jeans, these children ask for FOOD!

There are several ways you can support the mission of

Feed My Starving Children:

Pray for the millions of starving children around the world and FMSC's abillity to serve them.
Volunteer to package meals.
Donate online (just 17 cents pays for one meal).
Purchase FMSC merchandise at any of our sites.
Bring items on our Wish List to any permanent packing site.

From its beginnings, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) has worked to develop a food mixture that would be easy and safe to transport, simple to make with only boiling water, and culturally acceptable worldwide.
With the input of scientists from major food companies in the Twin Cities area—including Cargill and General Mills—FMSC developed a formula consisting of:
   1.   Rice, the most widely accepted grain around the world.
   2.   Extruded soy nuggets, providing maximum protein at lowest cost.
   3.   Vitamins, minerals and a vegetarian chicken flavoring to give growing children the critical nutritional elements they need.
   4.   Dehydrated vegetables for flavor and nutrition.
Packaged in small pouches—each of which provides six highly nutritious meals—this easy-to-prepare food blend has won rave reviews all over the world. While the formula was designed to save the lives of severely malnourished and starving children, the ingredients also improve the health, growth and physical well-being of children who are no longer in immediate danger of starvation. A team of food scientists continues to monitor the FMSC formula to ensure that it meets nutritional needs for the world’s hungry children.
A single bag of food—which provides meals for six children—costs around $1 to produce, and 94 percent of all donations to FMSC goes directly toward the food program.

To Contact "FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN"

Volunteer Contact Information: Phone - 630.851.0404
Website: FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN CLICK HERE

Give of Your Heart This Season

2009-12-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

Give of Your Heart

This Christmas give something meaningful - Give your time or your sentiment. Time and words can not be bought but are often last to be given for fear of disappointment. These gifts continue to outlast any store bought gift.

Write a poem, story or thank you to someone you love.

Play a game with an older family member or ask them about their childhood.

Take time to help your parent or family member by shoveling the snow or offering to wrap their Christmas Presents for them this year.

It is the thought that truly counts. Not the dollar amount given!

May you and yours have a blessed Christmas,

Leslie Prohaska & Family

City Wise

2009-11-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

CITY WISE LINK

Who we are

Citywise is a not-for-profit organisation which was set up to run education, sporting and personal development programmes. It began in 1991 in Dublin as a response to educational under-achievement of young people living in difficult city backgrounds and was formally established in 1994.
Over the past fifteen years it has gradually developed a range of supports for young people in Southhill, Limerick; in Ballymun, in Jobstown, in Ballynacargy, Westmeath and in Belfast.

Aims And Objectives

Citywise Education is a voluntary organization providing educational support to young people living in disadvantaged community environments. Recognizing the lead role of schools in cognitive learning, Citywise Education supports that work while paying attention to other aspects of education including the emotional, social and personal development of the whole person. The following strategies currently underpin and shape Citywise Education's work.

Sponsoring Citywise

Each year Citywise and Citywise Education depend to a large extent on the private sector to fund programmes.
For businesses which wish to contribute towards educational advancement in local communities, Citywise is a most worthy cause.

Citywise is a non-profit-making company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity (CHY 11225). Citywise is a registered charity for tax benefit purposes. All support received is acknowledged on receipt. Sponsors are publicly acknowledged, unless otherwise requested. Copies of annual accounts are available to sponsors on request.

Featured Link

2009-08-31T08:42:00.001-07:00

Paying it forward is not just something said it is an action that creates a ripple effect. It is amazing how one person can make such an impact on so many people's lives. Check out this wonderful website.

It will be a permanent link on this Blog so keep coming back for more...

http://www.payitforwardtoday.org/

PAY IT FORWARD

2009-08-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Economy is bad, people are losing houses, jobs, and animals because of this recession yet there is something good going on! "Pay It Forward" Check out this news report and see if you can start something in your area. It could make someones day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp1fHlnStjk

Other ideas for paying it forward - Pay for the toll of someone behind you, leave a quarter in the cart at Aldi's, what starts with one coffee can lead to so much more. Spread kindness it can be contagious!!

Post your ideas on here for paying it forward we want to hear how this has affected you!!

AUTISM SPEAKS NEEDS YOUR HELP

2009-05-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Jean and Gary are walking for Autism and have mentioned that in the past two years fundraising dollars are becoming scarce. They need your help!

If you know someone who has Autism or personally have a family member with Autism then you know how important these fundraising dollars are. Spread the word by passing this Blog on to those who may be willing to contribute to this cause.

In addition to knowing Jean and Gary who have a lovely daughter Kayla who was diagnosed with Autism I also have a 16 year old cousin Joey who has severe Autism we have watched him since he was 2 years old fade, it's painful to see but his loving parents have been very active in trying to do all that is needed to help him learn to speak, and keep him healthy. He has a special diet that they adhere to and now he even goes to High School with special Aids and a very supportive twin sister he is able to attend and from what we are told he loves it!

https://www.kintera.org/faf/dono...

You can volunteer your time or donate money. Here is some information on Autism:

The Following Is a Fact Sheet on Autism from the National Institutes of Health
Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

What are some common signs of autism?
There are three distinctive behaviors that characterize autism. Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling.
The hallmark feature of autism is impaired social interaction. Parents are usually the first to notice symptoms of autism in their child. As early as infancy, a baby with autism may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods of time. A child with autism may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement.
Children with autism may fail to respond to their name and often avoid eye contact with other people. They have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling because they can’t understand social cues, such as tone of voice or facial expressions, and don’t watch other people’s faces for clues about appropriate behavior. They lack empathy.
Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and twirling, or in self-abusive behavior such as biting or head-banging. They also tend to start speaking later than other children and may refer to themselves by name instead of “I” or “me.” Children with autism don’t know how to play interactively with other children. Some speak in a sing-song voice about a narrow range of favorite topics, with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking.
Many children with autism have a reduced sensitivity to pain, but are abnormally sensitive to sound, touch, or other sensory stimulation. These unusual reactions may contribute to behavioral symptoms such as a resistance to being cuddled or hugged.

THEIR WALK INFORMATION:

Please join me in my fight to make a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.

I am participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for autism.Please join me in my fight as I raise $ 2000.00 to help fund essential research. I will be walking on May 16, 2009 at Soldier Field and would like you to support those affected by autism. Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.

Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising money for autism research and heightening public awareness. Please join me in my fight as I raise money to help fund essential research. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism and/or join my team online using the links at the bottom of this page. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on my page or send me a check made out to Autism Speaks.

Thank you for taking an important step in the fight against autism.

Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Autism Speaks 501 (C)(3) Tax Id #: 20-2329938

Matching gift program: Many companies provide their employees with matching gifts. Please consult your employer on its matching gift guidelines and attach matching gift forms accordingly.

"https://www.kintera.org/faf/don orReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=288794 &lis=1&kntae288794=A03FCEFFA54747B4 A4882083B0D9DBEE&supId=177478309"

Team: Special K
Gary Henikman

Thank you for your help!!
For more information feel free to contact me at Leslie@LovetoPromote.com
Leslie Prohaska

Earth Day

2009-03-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

APRIL 22nd IS EARTH DAY!!!

What a great way to "Give Your Time". Our family loves to go for hikes and I can honestly say there has not been one place that has been garbage free. Where ever you rome you will see trash. A great way to give back to our Earth is to adopt a park, sometimes this task can seem daunting but, the more you go to the park or forest preserve of your choice to pick up the trash that others leave behind the more we can see the difference.

HOW DO I START?

First set aside an hour of your time on April 22nd or any day that you can commit to,

Second see if your family friends and neighbors will want to join you on that day,
passing out flyers or e-vite's is a great way to spread the word about your fun and helpful event.

Third adopt a nearby area that needs trash picked up or an area that needs some sprucing up with flowers (Be sure to contact your local village to make sure plantings are safe for the area or are allowed)

Fourth - get supplies, you will need gloves, shovels, rakes, garbage bags, leaf bags, and plenty of water to keep yourselves hydrated.

This is a great project to do with your children it teaches them why it is important not to litter and also teaches them a great lesson about teamwork and what teamwork can accomplish.

If you would like to learn about more ways you can celebrate Earth Day click here:
EARTH DAY LINK

It Starts With You!!

MAKE A CHILD SMILE UPDATE

2009-01-12T06:23:00.000-08:00

MACS is a wonderful organization that our family has recently become involved with it only takes a stamp and a few moments of your time to become involved. I will post updates or you can go directly to their website to learn more...

Meet Haven!

Hello to all,

Meet Haven!
She is 4½ years old and has Ganglioneuroblastoma.
Please read her story and send lots and lots of cards & gifts to brighten her day!
NOTE: Haven’s Birthday is coming up, on the 26th!

———————————————

*****Reminders*****

Don’t forget to send Birthday Cards to all upcoming Birthday Kids.
Visit the “Current Kids“ page and sort the “Birthdate” column.
And please always remember our Angels too.
Parents of our Angel Kids also do appreciate the remembrance of their child’s Birthday, other than the Anniversary of their passing.

Thank you,
Alexandra Bakker
Founder & President
Make A Child Smile Organization
http://www.makeachildsmile.org

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

Hoping that you all had a wonderful Holiday and a safe New Year.

As 2009 gets started I reflect on how fast 2008 went. It is amazing how much can get accomplished in a year, the goals we achieve, the people we are able to help, and the lessons that we have learned in one year. A lot can be achieved when we all work together.

We have a lot planned already for this year. Here are a few ideas we have come up with and would love to see if any of you are interested in helping us out...

Start a Blanket Drive for Warm Wishes Organization in honor of Valentines Day (Feb 14th) For more information on how to start your own blanket drive go to Warm Wishes Or to contribute to our Plainfield IL Blanket Drive feel free to e-mail me at: Sales@LoveToPromote.com

April 22nd is Earth Day - Here are a few ideas for you and your children to get involved.

For more info go to Earth Day Network

Save Energy by switching your
Inefficient Incandescent Light Bulbs!

Every day is Earth Day. ~Author Unknown

Adopt A Park or Pond With Your Family and Friends

On April 22nd gather everyone you know and choose a local park or pond
grab some garbage bags, rakes, gloves, and help to get that area clean.
You can commit to just this one day or once a month. Teaching your children that we are all responsible for keeping our Earth clean!

These were just a few ideas we had for our family this year. We would love to hear what ideas you have feel free to e-mail us with any events that you want our Blog readers to know about. I hear that SOS Children's Village was a great success we are pleased that so many people were able to help such a worthy cause.

Wishing you all a Happy 2009 keep coming back to our Blog for more Volunteer info!
Leslie Prohaska & Family

Make A Child Smile

2008-12-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

Make A Child Smile Organization (MACS) www.makeachildsmile.org December/08 Featured Kids Mail a card/gift to the children below TODAY to brighten their day!
Emerson 2 years old Unknown Metabolic Disorder		Olivia 9 years old Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Mailing address: Emerson W. P.O. Box 31366 Omaha, NE 68131 - U.S.A.		Mailing address: Olivia J. 3100 Waddell Ave West Palm Beach, FL 33411 - U.S.A.
Note: Mailing addresses may change! Addresses above are only guaranteed during the month of December! Please visit out website after December to check if the kids' addresses remain the same. Kids featured on MACS are NOT all terminally ill, they are chronically ill. Make sure you visit our website to check their health status prior to sending mail. Visit www.makeachildsmile.org to read the kids' stories and check their current health status. Copyright © 1998-2008 Make A Child Smile Organization All Rights Reserved

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2008-12-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you who have supported this Blog and

a special thank you to all of the articles that you have submitted to Give Your Time.

From Our Family to Yours,

We Wish You a Very Merry Christmas

A Happy New Year

Leslie Prohaska & Family

Lambs Fold Center For Women and Children

2008-12-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

Beth Randall of Plainfield, IL is a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist she is the owner of Joe Organizer, LLC. Beth recently sent me some information on a place that she has been volunteering at for over 5 years with her family. Beth can be reached at: 815-436-1578

I volunteer at Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children in downtown Joliet. Their web site is www.lambsfold.org. I volunteer monthly by teaching a class to the women that live there. My classes are to teach them life skills such as paper management, time management and money management. I am a member of the Quantum Leap Task Force within the National Association of Professional Organizers. During December I do not teach a class but rather go volunteer there with my three kids (15, 11, 9 years old). We will be wrapping presents and helping organize all of them. I have been volunteering there for 5 years and my kids have gone there for 4 years during December.

Lamb's Fold is always looking for volunteers throughout the year. If you don't have time to volunteer you can help by making a cash donation, food or clothing donation. There is a lot of great information on their web site including a 'Current Needs List'.

Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children helps homeless women and children and victims of domestic violence transition to successful independence through educational enhancement, supportive services, and personalized recovery services.

Beth Randall

Thank you, Beth for sending us this wonderful information if there is anyone who would like to volunteer at this organization located in Joliet, IL feel free to either e-mail me at Leslie@LoveToPromote.com or go directly to their website.

SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES

2008-12-09T13:06:00.001-08:00

Dena Furlow of Keller Williams is in desperate need of monetary donations for her wonderful cause - here is what she is doing for this holiday I ask that you all consider helping her out.

This year, for Christmas, I would like to bring joy to children's lives that may not have such a Merry Christmas this year. I have found SOS Children's Villages in Lockport and they need my help. You see, I don't want to help just one child, or 5, or 10, I want to help provide Christmas for all 70 children living at the Village, and I believe with your help, we CAN do it!

Contact me at 630-742-4374, 815-556-8734, or email me at furlow@kw.com. We have the children's Wish Lists. You and your family can help in the following ways:

* Help us by giving your time
* Help us by giving monetarily
* Help us by wrapping presents
* Help us by giving the gifts personally

I am truly blessed and honored to be a part of this project with SOS Children's Villages ~ I believe in the power of giving of ourselves, of our time, of our energy, and of our love. Join me in making dreams come true for some beautiful neighbors ~ I hope You See What I See! DENA FURLOW

This is a hard time financially for all of us however there are other ways to help as you see giving of your time is just as important. God Bless all of you and may 2009 bring you health and happiness to you and your families.

If you have a volunteer need or know someone who might need assistance this holiday please e-mail me at leslie@lovetopromote.com we would love to put your information on this blog so that others may be able to help.

Recent Newspaper Article

2008-12-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

We were recently asked to submit some quotes for a wonderfully put together article for the Plainfield's Enterprise Newspaper.

Madhu Mayer of the Enterprise newspaper wrote a very nice piece on the volunteer blog and makes mention of how my neighbor Catherine Leturno inspired me to do this blog.

Here is a small version of what is posted on the newspaper.

Woman creates volunteer blog
By Madhu Mayer
Instead of giving a Christmas present someone may not like or appreciate, Leslie Prohaska of Plainfield wants everyone to consider a gift that keeps on giving beyond the holiday season.

We were very pleased to have this article in the newspaper the more people that see that young and old alike can contribute the better off we will all be.

Lindsay Interiors Event to Benefit Children's Memorial Hospital

2008-11-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

Please help us make the holidays brighter for a child at Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. Throughout the month of December, Lindsay Interiors will collect both toys and monetary donations to help the patients, family, and programs at Children’s Memorial. New, unwrapped toys as well as cash and check donations will be accepted. Checks should be made out to Children’s Memorial Hospital.

To Express our gratitude for your generosity, Lindsay Interiors is offering $15.00 off Home Decorating Consultations and 20% off Drapery Orders in the months of January and February to those who donate.

Even the smallest gesture will bring a smile to a child’s face this Holiday Season!
Lindsay Interiors – 630-567-7474 Located in Plainfield IL call for more details.

What a Wonderful Time of Year!

2008-11-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

As we approach Thanksgiving we are reminded of all that we have been blessed with. A time for everyone to come together and celebrate. Despite our color or creed we take this opportunity to share with others.

As I continue with this Blog it is amazing to see how my eyes are now more open to seeing all of the wonderful volunteer opportunities there are. It could be that this time of year is when people are especially generous. To me it is just amazing how many wonderful volunteers we are surrounded by.

In the mail , at the health club, the local library, and even the grocery stores you can find barrels for food donations, boxes for gloves, flyers inviting you to volunteer, it is just wonderful to see so many helping hands and to see strangers come together for a common goal. To Make Someone Smile :)

Here are some of the ideas that others have shared with me:

SOS Children's Village- this is an organization that is located in Lockport, IL and it is the largest non-denominational children's care provider in the world! This is where full-time, professionally trained Foster parents commit to living on the premises of the property. There are 18 individual single family homes, 4 of which are vacant with up to 5 children in each home. They try to keep siblings together to maintain some kind of stability, which they so lack in the real world. The ages of the children range from 4 mos- 20 yrs old. Today there are 450 villages in over 125 nations, housing more than 60,000 children. They are looking for people to donate gifts for the families to give to their foster children or volunteer monetary donations, or give of your time. For more information please go to their website www.SOSIllinois.org

Holiday Mail for Heroes

From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans with the care and assistance they need.
The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.
Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and families.
Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

For more information on other ways you can help visit their website at:

http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/

Pennies for Peace educates children about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time.
Our best hope for a peaceful and prosperous world lies in the education of all the world’s children. Through cross-cultural understanding and a solution-oriented approach, Pennies for Peace encourages children, ultimately our future leaders, to be active participants in the creation of global peace.
To participate in the Pennies for Peace program, please start by going on their website and registering
http://www.penniesforpeace.org/home.html

What is the Power of a Penny?

The penny, 1% of a dollar, is symbolic of the '1% of Gross Domestic Product' goal set by the United Nations. The goal was for wealthy countries to give foreign aid to impoverished nations each year.
Pennies for Peace teaches children the rewards of sharing and working together to bring hope and educational opportunities to children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. A penny in the United States is virtually worthless, but in Pakistan and Afghanistan a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy.
The mission of Central Asia Institute (CAI) focuses on community-based education, especially for girls. A 5th grade education for girls improves not only the basic indices of health for her and her family, she will also spread the value of education within her community. Literacy, for both boys and girls, provides better economic opportunities in the future and neutralizes the power of despot mullahs and other extremist leaders.

If you know of an organization in need of volunteers or donations feel free to contact me via e-mail at: Leslie@LoveToPromote.com and I will gladly add them to this Blog.

Please pass this Blog on so that we can get the word out...

Thank you,

Leslie Prohaska

Inspiring Children Work Together For A Good Cause

2008-11-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

As mentioned earlier on in this Blog one of the main reasons I started this blog was partly due to my neighbors oldest daughter Catherine showing her true giving spirit she and a few of her friends from a Homeschool group named Girls Monkey Club worked together for a great cause -Club Advisor - Connie Leturno said that the coat drive successfully collected 100 coats for a local charity read more about this wonderful coat drive that was written about in the Suburban Chicago Newspaper. CHARITY ARTICLE

If you have an inspiring story feel free to send them to Leslie@LoveToPromote.com we would love to feature them on this Blog!

How to Teach Your Children to Be Charitable

2008-11-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Spending time with your child by going through their clothes from the previous year can be both fun and charitable. Make it fun with the little ones by playing a shopping game have them go through their clothes that you have pre-sorted and know that no longer fit your child and have them pretend to buy these clothing items for someone in need. Have play money handy and a shopping bag. You can have them count out a certain amount for each bag and designate which bag will go to Charity A, B, or C. Teach your child that though these clothes no longer fit they will fit another child that might need them.
Go through the cabinets with your child and collect canned fruits and vegetables or other non-perishable items that can be donated to a local food bank or pantry. Again if you have younger children this is another opportunity to play a game and have them shop in your pantry for someone less fortunate. Letting your children know young or old that their are families that struggle to put food on the table and that by giving food from your pantry you will be feeding a family and making them feel loved and cared for.
Take your child to the local toy store and have them pick out an item for a less fortunate child. Many programs that work with children, including shelters and mental health centers, accept new toys year-round. Or donate a toy that you have purchased to Toys for Tots for more information about this organization click on this link. www.toysfortots.org

Talking to your children about charities and let them decide which one they are most interested in some charities help other children, and some help animals though each one is different the common denominator is that they are volunteers helping other people.

Small Things Matter!

2008-11-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Quite often people think they have to devote tons of time, or tons of money to make a difference or to qualify as a volunteer. Here are a few ideas for those of you who can not commit to a ton of time or a ton of money but still want to do something that can make a difference.

GO GREEN- adopt a park and commit to keeping your park clean

Play Bingo - with your local Senior Citizens at a nearby retirement home

Start a Shoe drive and donate them to Soles4Soules(TM) Inc.,

Donate School Supplies to a local school

Donate blankets and food to a local humane society

Be a mentor

Call your local church and ask how you can help the community

Start a Can Food Drive and donate the food to a local food bank

Pass this Blog on so others can be inspired and send us your ideas

Leslie@lovetopromote.com

Good deeds never go unnoticed

Volunteerism

2008-10-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Volunteerism is the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without being motivate by financial or material gain. Volunteers may have special training as rescuers, guides, assistants, teachers, missionaries, amateur radio operators, writers, and in other positions. But the majorities work on an imprompt basis, recognizing a need and filling it, whether it be the dramatic search for a lost child or the everyday giving of directions to a lost visitor.

Ideas From - The Volunteer Family Organization

2008-10-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Make pillows, cards, games, or stuffed toys for children who are sick in the hospital
Make booboo bunnies for children to receive at a health clinic or at school
Collect items to make baby bags for poor mothers who recently had a baby -- can contain diapers, baby bottles, pacifiers, burp rags, formula, baby food, etc.
Plan and share craft projects with other children
Plan a special event outing or field trip for kids in a low-income preschool
Bake and decorate cookies with children
Read with children at a local hospital or wellness center
Help children at an after-school program develop their talents -- have rehearsal time and hold a talent show
Hold a drive to collect sunscreen/flip flops/healthy snacks/school supplies for children
Teach children a special skill or recipe
Hold clothing drives and donate clothes that are in good condition to those in need
Re-paint or rebuild playground equipment
Teach music lessons to children in need
Lead a craft project with children that will help elderly in a nursing home
Have a birthday supply drive to give a child in need the party supplies necessary for a birthday party
Make, buy, or donate toys for children in orphanages or shelters
Sort through clothing, toys or books others have donated for children in need
Play basketball or other sports with children in need
Write letters to local and governmental leaders about the need to protect children from abuse and neglect
Donate your hair for children with cancer or other medical conditions
Read books to a sick child
Befriend a disadvantaged child
Put together a baby layette for new moms
Help new mothers with the first 12 weeks postpartum
Make a first-day-of-school package with school supplies
Conduct a fundraiser to help send a child to summer camp
Make care packages (i.e. sunscreen, stationery, stamps) for children at camp
Talk as a family - and with other families and children - about what it means to be “safe kids”
Write letters to or for sick children
Organize a teddy bear drive
Draw pictures for Save the Children
Donate and sort books, clothes and party supplies for disadvantaged children
Select and wrap gifts for the holidays
Teach computer skills to children
Donate your favorite (healthy!) snack to give to children in need

This information was borrowed from www.TheVolunteerFamily.org
Find this and many other wonderful voluteer sites under our Links section.

How This Blog Got Started

2008-10-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

I was given a letter by a neighbors child - Coat Collection for the homeless. I was excited I ran through the house looking for coats then I started realizing each year we do something with the kids around the holidays and I wanted to see if there were any can food drives going on like when we were young or any volunteer opportunities locally.

So, I went online and finding myself somewhat computer literate did a Google search and found nothing locally going on except two things. Well then I went to church the following Sunday and wouldn't you know the sermon that Sunday was on Serving! I tried to listen intently and what I got out of it is that we are all capable of making the world a better place we don't have to be perfect or rich or even in a high leadership position to make a difference.

So why the blog?
I became frustrated with my Google search so I figured why don't I simplify it for others as well as myself create one place where people could go to get fresh ideas on how to teach our families how to volunteer, where to volunteer and what is needed locally. What a way to serve!!

Join me in my mission to spread the word about volunteering...

Share your ideas about how you and your family like to serve or what you would like to do this year to make a difference. Remember it's not only the big things you do in life that count - from one seed a whole tree of opportunities can grow.

Keep coming back to this Blog as it too will continue to flourish with ideas and through those ideas we can make things happen!!

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How to Teach Your Children to Be Charitable

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Ideas From - The Volunteer Family Organization

How This Blog Got Started

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