There are many ways to help families, including support for financial or health-related issues, promoting reading literacy, and empowering girls. Learn about Deliver the Dream and Kayla Cares 4 Kids.
Military Families Save on Museum Admission Through Labor Day
The Blue Star Museum Program runs through Labor Day. Museums nationwide support families by offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, through Monday, September 7. To find a museum near you, visit http://arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums.
Kayla Cares 4 Kids Collects DVDs, Games for Hospitalized Children
Kayla Abramowitz, the 13-year-old founder of Kayla Cares 4 Kids, recently received a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders scholarship for her efforts. KC4K has collected and distributed entertainment and educational materials in 45 states. To find out how to encourage the spirit of youth entrepreneurism in your community, visit http://www.uschamberfoundation.org/young-entrepreneurs-academy to create a Young Entrepreneurs Academy.
Gratitude Diaries Named Book of the Month
It is said that keeping a gratitude journal will increase your happiness. (My entries are as humble as “cat didn’t bite me” but meaningful to me.) More magazine recently named The Gratitude Diaries: How a Year Looking on the Bright Side Can Transform Your Life its Book of the Month. According to Kirkus, “[The] plan to be more grateful is approachable for anyone. Her conversational tone is encouraging, like talking to a good friend who’s having a great day and wants to share it with you… Simple, effective procedures that can be easily incorporated into even the busiest lifestyle.”
Bonus? If you’re shopping on Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com, name your preferred charity, and a donation will be made to the organization when you make a purchase. My charity is Heifer.
Back to School Drives Benefit Kids and Families
Increased traffic and school zones may have you down, but a number of organizations raised much-needed funds to help families by providing backpacks for children headed back to school. Among them was the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club. Reading projects, school beautification, and college scholarships are among the many ways this organization contributes to its community. Next up is their monthly reading project in Santa Clara.
Girl Trek May Be Moving Your Way
More than 35,000 young women have joined Girl Trek and taken the pledge to live healthier lives through daily walking. The goal is 1M by 2018. Their mission:
1. To lace up our sneakers and walk each day as a declaration of self-care!
2. To heal our bodies, inspire our daughters and reclaim the streets of our neighborhoods.
3. To re-establish walking as a healing tradition in Black communities as tribute to the women who walked before us.
4. A health movement organized by volunteers across America to inspire one million by 2018.
Follow them on Twitter at @GirlTrek.
Reel in $ for Charity
Fishing for the Dream recently raised $40K to support Deliver the Dream, which supports families by organizing much-needed retreats for those experiencing serious illnesses or crises. This year’s tourney raised $10K more than last year. Deliver the Dream invites up to 15 families each month to 3-day/2-night retreats where they can chill, spend time together, and find support with other families experiencing the same type of illness or crisis. Donate online in someone’s name through a Family Tribute Tree or donate an auction item for an upcoming event. Next up? The Denim & Diamonds Gala on November 7.
Chicks Fish, Too
The 30th Annual Ladies Fish-Off raised more than $20K for Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.
About 120 teens and adults set off in 42 boats. Ronald McDonald House supports families by operating “homes away from homes” near hospitals so families can remain close by as hospitalized children receive treatments.
Bonus: Drop your change in the Ronald McDonald House box every time you hit the drive-through.