As you know, there has been a whole lot going on in my life lately. I have been pulled in many {MANY!} different directions, and I some days its been a challenge to come up with something to write here. That saddens me, because I love to write, and among other things I use this space as a way to get rid of my writers block on more serious projects! So, I started really evaluating why that was, and after answering some interview questions for Diana, I realized, this blog isn't enough of *me.* I've been trying to fit a mold, and well, that just doesn't work. So, with great sadness {but not really that much}, I've decided to re-arrange my buttons at the top. Most of them I'll keep, but I'm taking away "crafts." I never really updated it, and its time for something new. Sure, I might craft a bit, but its not something I do enough to *really* focus on here.
Once I came to that conclusion, I really started thinking about using this space to do some good in the world, and to give of myself. This idea solidified when Texas was hit with several large and devastating wildfires. The support from the blogging community was wonderful, and we were able to raise over $100!
In Judaism, this is called Tzedakah, although it often gets misinterpreted as "charity," a word with a negative connotation. Really, the Hebrew word is better translated as justice, or fairness, which is exactly how I feel about giving to those who haven't been as privileged or as lucky as I!
And so, I'm going to use this blog, in part, to reinforce Tzedakah by showcasing some groups who are living that idea and making a difference.
Any non-profit or other organization that I showcase will be one that I personally have given money to or volunteered with. And, while major organizations such as the Girl Scouts of the USA, or Habitat for Humanity are wonderful, many people know about them. I want to feature the little guys and show the great work they're doing! And so, once a month, I'll feature a small non-profit looking to better their community.
Here's where I need your help: I need some organizations! I know my favorites, but I live in Houston, and there are some wonderful things going on in other places around the country. So, tell me: Who do you donate to or volunteer with? Who needs a little extra help? Who is just starting out with a project and needs some extra support? I would love to hear about them!
Showing posts with label Giving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giving. Show all posts
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Texas Wildfire Relief Post
Howdy, friends. Some of you know that I am from Texas. I don't know how much it shows, but I love my state. Southern hospitality, Blue Bell Ice Cream, football, two-steppin' and Tex Mex. But, what I love the most is how when bad things happen to us, we dig in our heals and help each other rebuild.
After Hurricane Ike, neighbors rebuilt together, people shared their generators, their food, their grills. We rolled up our sleeves and made sure that we all got into the business of getting back to normal. We're putting that to the test at the moment because Texas is currently fighting and recovering from the busiest fire season in our history.
The worst you have probably heard about: a fire that started on September 4th near Lost Pines and Bastrop burned over 34000 acres of land with 2 lives and 1386 homes lost. It is still only 30% contained. Folks are without food, water, their most prized possessions. Some are still in shelters after evacuating with a few minutes notice and they have no idea if their pets, their homes, their lives are OK.
And that isn't only the one big fire; countless smaller ones have wrought their destruction on communities, one about 45 minutes from where I currently live. We were never in danger but our community has felt the shock, and the uncertainty especially considering that we're still fighting it. According to the Texas Forest Service we've lost about 21,000 acres from that fire and it is also only 30% contained {down from 85%}. Its close to the Texas Renaissance Festival which has not been affected but is serving as a base for firefighters and emergency personnel.
Speaking of firefighter and emergency personnel, we have seen first-hand the commitment that our firefighters have to the people of Texas, and the generosity coming from all areas of the country. They have been there from the beginning, fighting to save people's homes, and mourning with them when they couldn't. We owe them a lot for what they do.
Here's what's needed now: Money, water, clothes, food, gatorade, everything.
And here's how you can help.
Monday I will be hosting a benefit giveaway featuring Gussy Sews, Dianapantz, the Blue Eyed Owl, and myself {value = $100!}. In order to enter you will have to a) donate money to a cause benefiting the wildfire relief effort and b) spread the word. The more money you donate, the more of a chance you have of winning {and if your entry is chosen, you will have to PROVE your donation}, AND the more money that will be helping! Both myself and Diana will be matching the donations pledged in the giveaway.
And so, I am calling on you to help me spread the word! Twitter {use #TxBlogFireRelief hashtag}, Facebook, blogging, anything!
Organizations that are helping:
The American Red Cross {specify Texas Wildfires in your donation}, especially the Red Cross of Central Texas and the Greater Houston Area Red Cross.
Texas Wildfire Relief
United Way of Montgomery County
Bloggers Without Borders
If you live in Texas you can also take donations to any 4-H office or coordinate with your local fire-station. Many local chambers of commerce, YMCAs, banks, and grocery stores are joining the effort.
And of course, if you would like to contribute to the giveaway or match donations, there is always room! Please contact me at lreichstein {at} gmail {dot} com.
I'll see you Monday! Spread the word {note: I am @AdvntrsNFlpFlps}.
After Hurricane Ike, neighbors rebuilt together, people shared their generators, their food, their grills. We rolled up our sleeves and made sure that we all got into the business of getting back to normal. We're putting that to the test at the moment because Texas is currently fighting and recovering from the busiest fire season in our history.
The worst you have probably heard about: a fire that started on September 4th near Lost Pines and Bastrop burned over 34000 acres of land with 2 lives and 1386 homes lost. It is still only 30% contained. Folks are without food, water, their most prized possessions. Some are still in shelters after evacuating with a few minutes notice and they have no idea if their pets, their homes, their lives are OK.
 |
| View from Highway 21 in Texas 5 days ago. Source: Texasfire.com |
And that isn't only the one big fire; countless smaller ones have wrought their destruction on communities, one about 45 minutes from where I currently live. We were never in danger but our community has felt the shock, and the uncertainty especially considering that we're still fighting it. According to the Texas Forest Service we've lost about 21,000 acres from that fire and it is also only 30% contained {down from 85%}. Its close to the Texas Renaissance Festival which has not been affected but is serving as a base for firefighters and emergency personnel.
 |
| House destroyed in Magnolia fire. Source: Star-Telegram |
Speaking of firefighter and emergency personnel, we have seen first-hand the commitment that our firefighters have to the people of Texas, and the generosity coming from all areas of the country. They have been there from the beginning, fighting to save people's homes, and mourning with them when they couldn't. We owe them a lot for what they do.
Here's what's needed now: Money, water, clothes, food, gatorade, everything.
And here's how you can help.
Monday I will be hosting a benefit giveaway featuring Gussy Sews, Dianapantz, the Blue Eyed Owl, and myself {value = $100!}. In order to enter you will have to a) donate money to a cause benefiting the wildfire relief effort and b) spread the word. The more money you donate, the more of a chance you have of winning {and if your entry is chosen, you will have to PROVE your donation}, AND the more money that will be helping! Both myself and Diana will be matching the donations pledged in the giveaway.
And so, I am calling on you to help me spread the word! Twitter {use #TxBlogFireRelief hashtag}, Facebook, blogging, anything!
Organizations that are helping:
The American Red Cross {specify Texas Wildfires in your donation}, especially the Red Cross of Central Texas and the Greater Houston Area Red Cross.
Texas Wildfire Relief
United Way of Montgomery County
Bloggers Without Borders
If you live in Texas you can also take donations to any 4-H office or coordinate with your local fire-station. Many local chambers of commerce, YMCAs, banks, and grocery stores are joining the effort.
And of course, if you would like to contribute to the giveaway or match donations, there is always room! Please contact me at lreichstein {at} gmail {dot} com.
I'll see you Monday! Spread the word {note: I am @AdvntrsNFlpFlps}.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Money Saving Monday: How to give on a budget
Lately, I have been VERY aware how fortunate I am. I have a wonderful family to help me when I need it, I have enough money to be comfortable {(even if I can't be frivolous!)}, I am educated {(and hopefully getting more education!)}, and I have a fantastic network of friends, school peers, supervisors, and professors to help me get me where I want to go. And, I've had those things. I have never worried about a natural disaster, or abusive parents, or having enough to eat.
I've been conscious of helping those who need it, even when I can't afford to do so. Although I one day hope to sponsor children, give college scholarships and adopt many animals, I can't right now. Here is a list of things I've found to be helpful in my quest to give back on a budget:
1. Coupons: I have no need for coupons for baby products, animal products, and most of the personal care stuff that I get. You know who does though? Shelters for children and/or their mothers, animal shelters, shelters for survivors of domestic abuse. I'll clip the coupons and send them in with my {small} monetary donation. If you play the drugstore game, you can easily buy shampoo, conditioner, razors, toothpaste, soap, etc. for little to nothing and simply donate these items to the appropriate shelters. Other good ideas would be non-perishable pantry items, and food for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter dinners.
2. After-holiday sales: These are especially helpful for baby items like socks, onesies, blankets, etc. They're drastically reduced in price, but no less warm or useful than they were before whichever holiday. Sometimes you can get baking supplies {canned pumpkin, anyone?} after big baking holidays, and often kitchen items go on sale right after these same holidays. If I can get them, I donate all of these to appropriate charities.
3. MyPoints, Credit Card Rewards, Swagbucks: Did you know that with your MyPoints you can donate money to the American Red Cross? Or if you don't qualify for a survey on Opinion Outpost you can donate $0.10 to the Red Cross? I make regular donations to ARC out of my own pocket, but these are excellent avenues if you want to donate and can't come up with the cash. Other ideas are gift cards for teachers, new moms, etc. Grocery store gift cards to food pantries, or gas cards to non-profits will also be appreciated.
4. Yard sales, thrift stores, etc.: You can often find gently used kids clothing, books, movies, etc. at yard sales, and if you don't need these things, why not donate them to those who need them?
5. Time: This is perhaps the most obvious thing you can do to help when you have limited means. I'm a Girl Scout volunteer {disclosure: I also work for Girl Scouts} and have volunteered in the past with Habitat for Humanity, NAM {Northwest Assistance Ministries in NW Harris County} and other various organizations. I guarantee there is an organization out there for you to donate you time to. All it takes is a Google search!
6. Your old stuff: As part of the simplification of my life {and my move!} I'm getting rid of a lot of things. Extra coffee mugs, a BUNCH of t-shirts, shoes I don't wear, etc. Some of these things will fetch a good price, but most won't. Instead of throwing all of these things out, why not donate them to Goodwill, Purple Heart, VFW, etc. Yes, some of these charities will turn around and sell your items, but I'd personally rather they have the profit off of my clothing than me. They'll also probably be able to sell it for more than I would.
How do you give back on a budget?
I've been conscious of helping those who need it, even when I can't afford to do so. Although I one day hope to sponsor children, give college scholarships and adopt many animals, I can't right now. Here is a list of things I've found to be helpful in my quest to give back on a budget:
1. Coupons: I have no need for coupons for baby products, animal products, and most of the personal care stuff that I get. You know who does though? Shelters for children and/or their mothers, animal shelters, shelters for survivors of domestic abuse. I'll clip the coupons and send them in with my {small} monetary donation. If you play the drugstore game, you can easily buy shampoo, conditioner, razors, toothpaste, soap, etc. for little to nothing and simply donate these items to the appropriate shelters. Other good ideas would be non-perishable pantry items, and food for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter dinners.
2. After-holiday sales: These are especially helpful for baby items like socks, onesies, blankets, etc. They're drastically reduced in price, but no less warm or useful than they were before whichever holiday. Sometimes you can get baking supplies {canned pumpkin, anyone?} after big baking holidays, and often kitchen items go on sale right after these same holidays. If I can get them, I donate all of these to appropriate charities.
3. MyPoints, Credit Card Rewards, Swagbucks: Did you know that with your MyPoints you can donate money to the American Red Cross? Or if you don't qualify for a survey on Opinion Outpost you can donate $0.10 to the Red Cross? I make regular donations to ARC out of my own pocket, but these are excellent avenues if you want to donate and can't come up with the cash. Other ideas are gift cards for teachers, new moms, etc. Grocery store gift cards to food pantries, or gas cards to non-profits will also be appreciated.
4. Yard sales, thrift stores, etc.: You can often find gently used kids clothing, books, movies, etc. at yard sales, and if you don't need these things, why not donate them to those who need them?
5. Time: This is perhaps the most obvious thing you can do to help when you have limited means. I'm a Girl Scout volunteer {disclosure: I also work for Girl Scouts} and have volunteered in the past with Habitat for Humanity, NAM {Northwest Assistance Ministries in NW Harris County} and other various organizations. I guarantee there is an organization out there for you to donate you time to. All it takes is a Google search!
6. Your old stuff: As part of the simplification of my life {and my move!} I'm getting rid of a lot of things. Extra coffee mugs, a BUNCH of t-shirts, shoes I don't wear, etc. Some of these things will fetch a good price, but most won't. Instead of throwing all of these things out, why not donate them to Goodwill, Purple Heart, VFW, etc. Yes, some of these charities will turn around and sell your items, but I'd personally rather they have the profit off of my clothing than me. They'll also probably be able to sell it for more than I would.
How do you give back on a budget?
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